Gov’t to ensure journalists’ safety

May 16, 2018

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Patrick Nip:

We are very concerned about the safety of Hong Kong residents staying outside Hong Kong, including our reporters working outside Hong Kong, in the Mainland. We immediately followed up with the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and we understand that they have already taken action to understand and to deal with the matter. I note that progress has been made and our Beijing Office colleagues (have) contacted the reporter to offer all the necessary assistance if required. 

At this stage, (it is) better for us to understand what has happened and let the relevant authorities in the Mainland to follow up the issue in accordance with the laws and regulations and the established mechanisms in the Mainland.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Government is very concerned about the safety of Hong Kong journalists reporting outside the city.

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Patrick Nip made the statement today, after a Hong Kong television station cameraman was handcuffed and detained by police in Beijing.

“We are very concerned about the safety of Hong Kong residents staying outside Hong Kong, including our reporters working outside Hong Kong, in the Mainland.

“We immediately followed up with the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and we understand that they have already taken action to understand and to deal with the matter.”

Mr Nip noted officers from the HKSAR Government’s office in Beijing have contacted the journalist to offer assistance.

The Government will continue to liaise with the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council to see what measures can be implemented to prevent similar incidents from happening, he added.