An "Apple Daily" photographer was arrested by the police, while other journalists faced harassment and restrictions while reporting on police operations in Hong Kong's district of Mong Kok.
Following are two statements originally published on hkja.org.hk on 27 and 26 November 2014.
HKJA condemns the second arrest of a journalist
The Hong Kong Journalists Association condemns in the strongest terms the second arrest of a journalist covering the police clearance of the Occupy protestors in Mong Kok.
An Apple Daily photographer was arrested by the police while reporting on police operations in Mong Kok yesterday evening [26 November 2014]. He was suddenly pushed to the ground, handcuffed and taken away. Other reporters in the vicinity asked officers for the reason for this shocking action but no response was forthcoming. A PPRB spokesman said the reporter had assaulted a police officer.
Handcuffing a reporter covering a public protest is an escalation of anti-media actions in the current police operation. This is similar to the pouncing on a Now TV engineer for allegedly attacking an officer in the same vicinity two nights earlier [please refer to the statement below] but subsequently released without any charges being made.
These arrests are serious violation of press freedom enshrined in the Basic Law. They serve as an intimidation against the media from monitoring the police action. The message: “Don’t get too close or you will be arrested”.
We condemn such brutal acts on the part of the police to stifle press coverage of the current crisis. We demand the immediate release of the Apple Daily reporter and an explanation from the police on the latest attacks.
The Association is making an appeal to all members of the press and the public to submit to it any complaint and evidence of police interference or violence against the press. All evidence should be submitted to hkja@hkja.org.hk.
HKJA condemns arrest of TV crew member in Mong Kok
The Hong Kong Journalists Association condemns the arrest of a Now TV news crew member while covering the Police clearance of Occupy protestors in Mong Kok. This is an outright violation of the media’s right to report. We demand the immediate release of the technician.
HKJA also calls on the police to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to account. If there is insufficient evidence to press charges the police should apologise to the technician concerned.
The police said one of their officers was “hit” by a ladder carried by the technician who was then pushed to the ground despite his identification as a member of the media. The technician was subsequently arrested for allegedly assaulting the police. However, anyone with some basic knowledge of TV filming will know that a ladder is used only to get better shots at the scene. Policemen on the spot have also barred other journalists from filming the arrest and helping the technician. He suffered various bruises on his face and body from the arrest.
Since the Occupy Movement took place, police officers have dispersed the protesters during their operation – moreover, if there is a dispute, they also treat journalists forcibly even after they have identified themselves. Previously, at least 25 journalists were hurt and HKJA, with other news unions, had a meeting with the police to express our concerns. Yet, the police have not taken any concrete steps to minimise the dangers of news covering. That they unreasonably arrested a journalist this time around is outrageous.
HKJA calls on the police to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to account. If there is insufficient evidence to press charges, the police should apologise to the technician concerned. HKJA reiterates its demand that Tsang Wai-Hung, the Commissioner of the Police, should conduct a review and make improvements in order to avoid similar events in future.
