Hong Kong police expressed in a letter to the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) “deep regret” and “strong dissatisfaction” over allegations that law enforcement agencies They have established surveillance of several journalists. This was reported on March 29 by the Hong Kong Free Press.
Hong Kong’s largest journalists’ union previously said it had information that several journalists were under surveillance. Police vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “unverified speculation.”
The association “made unverified assumptions, citing journalists’ suspicions that those who were following them were law enforcement officers.”police said in a statement.
“In addition to damaging the reputation of all law enforcement officials, it also destroys the professional image of journalists who report and comment on the facts.”the police said.
Law enforcement also called on the Association to “avoid posting unverified and inaccurate reports and comments that could mislead people.”
The police response came after a group of journalists issued a statement on March 27 that they had received reports from “various media outlets and journalists” that unidentified men had followed reporters in the past week.
“When the personal safety of journalists, especially court reporters, is threatened, members of the public and Hong Kong citizens, including the HKJA, will be concerned about freedom of the press.”the association said in a statement.
The journalists’ association said it had received several reports of alleged surveillance of journalists who went to court last week to cover the Stand News trial.
The association also believes that last week police officers harassed an HKFP reporter from her workplace to her home.
The association called for an investigation “to ensure that journalists in Hong Kong can enjoy the freedom of speech, speech and press protected by Article 27 of the Basic Law without having to worry about their personal safety while collecting news.”
Source: Rossa Primavera
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