2015-11-19 HKT 13:57
A US congressional commission says its concerned about Hong Kong's press and academic freedoms. Photo: RTHK
A report by a US congressional commission has raised concerns about Hong Kong's press and academic freedoms.
This came after members of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission visited Hong Kong in July. Their report highlighted what they said was an erosion of press and academic freedoms.
It said there was an increase in the number of attacks on journalists and media executives, such as on former Ming Pao chief editor Kevin Lau, as well as the throwing of firebombs at Next Media boss Jimmy Lai's home earlier this year.
It also said there was increasing self-censorship as more and more media outlets were being taken over by pro-Beijing businessmen.
The report also said academics had come under government scrutiny since last year's pro-democracy protests. It cited the rejection of former University of Hong Kong law dean, Johannes Chan, to a key university post as an example of the government and Beijing's interference in academia.
The commission urged the US State Department to closely monitor the situation in the territory.
In response, the Hong Kong government said foreign governments and legislatures should not interfere in the territory's internal affairs. It also said it was committed to safeguarding press and academic freedoms in the city.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1224568-20151119.htm
