(HKJA/IFEX) – The following is a 24 July 2004 HKJA press release: APPEAL FOR INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FROM HKJA On July 24th, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong raided eight news organizations and confiscated a number of journalists’ documents. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) immediately issued a statement to express deep concern […]
(HKJA/IFEX) – The following is a 24 July 2004 HKJA press release:
APPEAL FOR INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FROM HKJA
On July 24th, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong raided eight news organizations and confiscated a number of journalists’ documents. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) immediately issued a statement to express deep concern over the raids, which were claimed to be related to a corruption case involving a listed company the ICAC was investigating. We believe that the high-profile actions were highly inappropriate. The HKJA appeals for support from international organizations.
The ICAC claimed that the raided news organizations have committed perjury by reporting on some in camera hearings regarding the corruption case and that the aim of searching the eight newsrooms was to gather evidence. The HKJA stated, however, that the reports had already been published in the newspapers and that the ICAC should already have had adequate evidence to take legal action against the news organizations. The high-profile searches were unnecessary and constituted a major threat to freedom of the press.
Hong Kong’s laws require the authorities to apply for a court warrant before searching news organizations’ premises. This reflects the sensitivity of news information and its protection. The raids carried out by the ICAC were a threat to freedom of the press.
The HKJA suspects that the ICAC searched the news organizations’ premises for information or evidence not related to the crimes allegedly committed by them. We are also concerned about the ICAC’s summoning of two reporters to assist in the process of investigation. In its statement, HKJA reiterated that it is journalists’ responsibility to protect their sources of information. Law-enforcing institutions should refrain from pressuring or threatening journalists to disclose their sources of information and other confidential information.
The HKJA appeals for support from international organizations and calls on them to issue protest statements against the raids that greatly threaten Hong Kong’s freedom of the press.
Hong Kong Journalists Association
