The Hong Kong Journalists Association distributed the ribbons at the Standard Chartered Marathon to launch its Gag Us Not campaign to protest against the increasing tightening of media control. 

 

The tally counted into only those distributed by over 45 volunteers. Home made ribbons made by many runners have not been included.

 

"The ribbons were all gone within two and a half hours. We have to disappoint many runners.＂said Sham Yee-lan, the Association's Chairman.   "The overwhelming response tells a growing public concern on the deterioration in the city's press freedom."

 

Commercial Radio fired a popular host of its phone in program, Li Wei Ling last week. Li is a critical voice against the Government.This came after Ming Pao's   removal of its Chief Editor who would be replaced by a journalist from Malaysia where no free press is allowed. 

 

Hong Kong Journalists Association

16 Feb 2014