During the anti-amendment period, the police continued to besiege the Polytechnic University for many days. Taiwan PTV's special Hong Kong reporter Deng Zhuoru was arrested during filming. He was recently convicted of "possessing offensive weapons in public places" for possessing universal pliers and laser pens. Convicted, sentenced to 15 months in prison.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association expressed regret, believing that the verdict would have a chilling effect on the industry, hinder the supervision of public power, and seriously affect the reporting work.
The Security Bureau issued a statement today (30th) to counterattack, criticizing the accusation of the Journalists Association as "groundless and misleading". Anyone who advocates that a certain type of person can enjoy privileges because of their status, even if they break the law, do not need to face legal sanctions. Completely violates the spirit of the rule of law.
PTV special correspondent, Hong Kong independent director Deng Zhuoru.
(Public Television)
The Security Bureau emphasized that journalists, like everyone else, have an obligation to abide by the law, reiterating that under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, freedom of the press and speech can be restricted for reasons such as protecting public safety.
Anyone, regardless of background or profession, should be held accountable for violations. "It has nothing to do with freedom of speech, press and publication. No one is above the law."
The statement also pointed out that in Hong Kong, any arrest and prosecution is for criminal acts and has nothing to do with the political stance, background or occupation of the person involved.
Regarding the Deng Zhuoru case, "a court with independent judicial power has made a judgment on the case", which proves that the prosecution is supported by sufficient facts and legal grounds. As the judgment pointed out, it is not necessary for journalists to carry universal forceps and lasers within the scope of their duties Pen.
The Journalists Association issued a statement yesterday (29th) in support of Deng Zhuoru, emphasizing that Deng Zhuoru "just conducts interview work". Pursuing the truth will only hurt the general public in the end.”
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