(ARTICLE 19/HKJA/IFEX) – The following is a 27 June 2004 ARTICLE 19 and HKJA joint press release: Hong Kong and London, 27th June 2004 HKJA RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT; CALLS ON BEIJING AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS TO PROTECT FREE EXPRESSION IN HONG KONG The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and ARTICLE 19 – THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN […]
(ARTICLE 19/HKJA/IFEX) – The following is a 27 June 2004 ARTICLE 19 and HKJA joint press release:
Hong Kong and London, 27th June 2004
HKJA RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT; CALLS ON BEIJING AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS TO PROTECT FREE EXPRESSION IN HONG KONG
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and ARTICLE 19 – THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR FREE EXPRESSION – have today released their 12th annual report, which is titled “Beijing Turns The Screws: Hong Kong’s freedom of expression faces grave threats”. It focuses on the blatant threats to freedom of expression seen in the past six months, which caused substantial unease to people of Hong Kong.
The report highlights events, including what became known as the patriotism debate, which was a front for attacks against leading members of the pro-democracy camp. It goes on to explain why the HKJA found the resignation of three prominent talk-show hosts in May highly worrying.
Attention is also drawn to Beijing’s plan to enact a unification law, which could apply to Hong Kong and which would cover secession, a national security related crime. The uncertainty surrounding the national security bill has also received comprehensive coverage in the report.
The last section rounds up developments in Hong Kong’s media in the year under review, giving insightful perspectives on the implications of these developments.
The HKJA and ARTICLE 19 called on the SAR [ed. note: Special Administrative Region] government, in the recommendations section, to refrain from taking action that may threaten freedom of expression. They also requested that the Central Government in Beijing state publicly that it will not tolerate actions by anyone on the mainland that impinge on Hong Kong’s freedom of expression.
With regards to the national security bill, they demanded the government ensure that work on the bill is undertaken in an open manner. If the government decides to proceed with the enactment, it should first release a white paper for full and extensive public consultation. Failure to do so will lead to the same problems that emerged when a bill was first published in February 2003.
There are five sections in the report. Section 1: A dramatic change of direction; Section 2: Free expression comes under direct attack; Section 3: The print media starts to tilt; Section 4: Backdown over national security laws; Section 5: Other media developments.
The report can be found on the following website: www.hkja.org.hk
HKJA Executive Committee
June 27th, 2004
