South China Morning Post: Freedom of speech `targeted in SAR'

01/07/2002
Page 4

Fears over a deterioration in freedom of speech have been voiced by the Hong Kong Journalists' Association, which says a series of incidents show the Government is taking a tougher stance to curb dissent.

In an annual report on the freedom of expression in the SAR, the press body called on the administration to pledge not to enact a proposed anti-subversion law which it said would further restrict press freedom.

Mak Yin-ting, who chairs the association, said the Government had became less tolerant of minority views.

"Instead of preaching tolerance towards such opinions, officials seem more intent on restricting the freedom of expression and assembly of those who do not agree with the general direction taken by the administration," she said.

The report said evidence that freedom of expression was "under siege" included proposed enactment of an anti-subversion law which the administration is required to implement under the Basic Law. Both the Government and Beijing have recently stated there is a need to legislate soon.

The group criticised the arrest and charging of three veteran activists for allegedly organising an "illegal assembly" because they had not given notice to police in advance of their planned activities.

The report also cited evidence such as the banning of demonstrations outside government headquarters, the barring of US-based dissident Harry Wu Hongda from entering Hong Kong, and the ban on foreign Falun Gong [practitioners] entering the SAR to demonstrate.

It also criticized police for arresting and handcuffing three journalists when they covered a police operation against abode seekers camping out in Chater Garden, Central, in April.

The association said the proposed anti-terrorism law would further curb press freedom. Ms Mak said the series of government moves would harm the SAR's international image. [……]