Joint letter to Mr Wang Zhimin, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR

Dear Mr Wang,

We strongly condemn the violent arrest of a Now TV News journalist who was reporting on a human rights problem in Beijing and demand mainland authorities to refrain from further suppression against the work of journalists.

The Beijing-based cameraman from Hong Kong was covering a hearing on lawyers this morning. He holds press card issued by mainland authorities. He has duly produced the identification upon request by a public security officer. When he asked to have the identification back, more than five men including uniformed public security officers - pushed him onto the ground. They handcuffed and took him into a police vehicle. The journalist was released subsequently. He suffered bruises on different parts of his body. The authorities have not given him any explanation of his arrest.

We express strong indignation and lodge strong protest against the Beijing authorities. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor should convey the concern of Hong Kong people over the attacks of journalists to the Central Government

This is the second attack against Hong Kong journalists in the mainland within a week. An i-Cable News journalist was punched by two village officials while reporting on the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Sichuan earthquake on Saturday. We urge the mainland authorities to protect the personal safety and the lawful right of reporting of Hong Kong journalists. 

Hong Kong Journalists Association
The Independent Commentators Association
Ming Pao Staff Association
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong
RTHK Programme Staff Union
New Media Trade Union
Hong Kong Press Photographers Association
16 May 2018