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Following is the transcript of the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, on an explosion at Ming Pao Industrial Centre today (November 7):
Reporter: Do you think this attack is an attack on the press freedom of Hong Kong?
Secretary for Security: We condemn the illegal act that happened at Ming Pao Daily News this afternoon. Hong Kong is a free and peaceful community. The Hong Kong Government treasures the freedom of the press and the freedom of speech. We will not allow any violent act or any illegal act to influence our journalists. And together with our community, the Hong Kong Government will do everything it can to protect the freedom of the press and will not allow such things to happen in Hong Kong.
Reporter: Do you consider that the Ming Pao attack was an isolated incident? Or are you worried that similar attacks may be targeted at other media organisations?
Secretary for Security: The police are still investigating; I don't want to jump to a conclusion. But this kind of illegal act in Hong Kong is very, very seldom.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Monday, November 7, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:01
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