Any attempt to use journalistic work for self-serving political purposes must be condemned, particularly when it poses a threat to national security, Chief Secretary John Lee said today.

Mr Lee was responding to reporters’ questions concerning the arrest of at least six senior and former senior staff members of the online media company Stand News by Police when he attended an event in the afternoon.

The Police National Security Department conducted a search of the online media company with a warrant issued under the National Security Law and made the arrests this morning. The warrant authorises Police to search and seize relevant journalistic materials.

Mr Lee said: “Anybody who attempts to make use of media work as a tool to pursue their political purpose or other interests (which) contravene the law, particularly offences that endanger national security, they are the evil elements that damage press freedom.”

He added that media workers should keep a distance from those who use press freedom as a cover to pursue their own political objectives.

“Professional media workers should recognise that these are the bad apples who are abusing their position, simply by wearing a false coat of media worker.

“Say no to these people and stand far from them.”