HK Journalists Fear
Laws Will Restrain
Expression
By DAVID LAGUE IN
security laws pose a serious
threat to freedom of
expression, with the mere
enactment of the new
measures encouraging media
self-censorship.
"That in effect would
dampen expression of views and
could damage
media centre," the
Hong Kong Journalists Association
said in a September 24
statement. "Secession and
subversion are not considered
crimes in
other common-law
jurisdictions. The introduction of
these new concepts would
adversely affect freedom of
expression," it added.
One reason for sensitivity to
the new measures among
local journalists is that
many believe that, under
pressure from
is already toning down
its criticism of the mainland
government and its policies.
They argue that the implied
threat from tougher laws
can only make things
worse. However,
general, Bob Allcock, insists these fears are groundless.
"If the proposals are
enacted, freedom of expression
will continue to be fully
enjoyed in
told the South China
Morning Post newspaper in
defending the government's
proposals.
Under the proposed sedition
laws, the expression of
views and commentaries, or
reports on the views of
others or events, would not
be treated as crimes
unless they were intended
to incite others to threaten
national security through the
use of force or other
unlawful means.
"Mere expression of views
is not an offence," Hong
Kong's Secretary for Security
Regina Ip told reporters
at a September 24
briefing. "We need to study the
intention. It depends on if
one intends to incite
others to do something that
will endanger national
security."
Despite these assurances,
journalists and civil
libertarians remain sceptical and have called on the
government to reconsider its proposed changes.