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In response to media enquiries on the Hong Kong Journalists Association's annual report on freedom of speech in Hong Kong, a Government spokesman gave the following statement today (July 4):
Since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Basic Law has protected the human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, including the freedom of speech and of the press. The relevant rights are protected by the Judiciary under the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance.
Hong Kong is one of the freest regions in Asia. At present, there are more than 40 daily newspapers and 600 periodicals published in Hong Kong. Many international news agencies, trans-continental publications and overseas broadcasting companies have established their Asia-Pacific headquarters or regional offices in Hong Kong.
There are thousands of journalists who work in the media sector in Hong Kong. They can freely report on developments in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas. Hong Kong is a place where the media can bloom.
The Police respect the rights of the public to peaceful assembly and procession and to express their views.
Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law. This is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. The Police have the responsibility to maintain law and order, and to ensure public safety.
When there are signs of a breach of public peace or public order, the Police will take robust and prompt action. On previous occasions, some protestors had blatantly breached the law, and the Police had no alternative but to take arrest action to maintain law and order.
Ends/Sunday, July 4, 2010
Issued at HKT 22:05
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