Cyd Ho says police restrictions on the media will be seen as another blow to Hong Kong's press freedom. Photo: RTHK
Cyd Ho talks to RTHK's Janice Wong
Labour Party lawmaker, Cyd Ho, on Monday slammed the police for its decision to bar journalists from some key events during the visit of a state leader, saying it will damage the image of press freedom in Hong Kong.
The chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Zhang Dejiang, will arrive in the territory on Tuesday to attend the One Belt, One Road forum at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
The police have said that the risk of a terrorist attack there was "quite high" and they would implement counter-terrorism measures.
Ho, who is also a member of the Legislative Council's Panel on Security, called the police's decision as "too severe" as it would result in journalists being barred from entering the ballroom of the convention centre where dinner for those participating in the forum will be held, as well as from the area where mainland officials will meet pan-democratic lawmakers.
"The central government could have checked the identity of all reporters and cameramen and then give them the necessary ID cards during the entire process", she pointed out.
Ho also told RTHK’s Janice Wong that Hong Kong has been slipping in press freedom rankings over the past ten years, and the latest restrictions will deal yet another blow to that.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1260357-20160516.htm
