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In response to public concern about the security arrangements for political dignitaries visiting Hong Kong, a government spokesperson reiterated today (September 12) that while the Government always respects freedom of speech, press freedom and the media¡¦s right of reporting, it also has the responsibility to ensure the personal safety of visiting political dignitaries. It aims to strike a balance between protecting human rights and freedom, maintaining social order and ensuring the safety of visiting political dignitaries.
Regarding the security arrangements during Vice-premier Li Keqiang's attendance at the Centenary Ceremony of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the spokesperson said the Police, which had the responsibility to ensure the Vice-premier's safety at the event, had maintained co-operation and communication with HKU.
Although both sides had raised different views and suggestions during the process, the two parties shared the same goal in ensuring the Vice-premier's personal safety and smooth running of the ceremony while taking care of other people's safety and rights. After communication and discussion, both sides eventually came up with the arrangements for the ceremony at the campus.
HKU has already set up a panel to review the arrangements of the Centenary Ceremony and it will start work soon. The Police will fully co-operate with the panel in the review.
Reiterating that the security operations of the Police may in some respects cause inconvenience to the public, the spokesperson appealed to the public for their understanding.
"The Police will conduct a review regarding the overall security arrangements during Vice-premier Li Keqiang's visit to Hong Kong. The Independent Police Complaints Council will also follow up on the Police's overall deployment or procedures arising from the relevant complaints. The Police will consider the views raised by different parties in order to further improve its security arrangements for visiting political dignitaries, striking a better balance among respecting the freedom of speech, of assembly, and of the press as well as the security considerations."
Regarding the media arrangements during the visits of political dignitaries, the spokesperson said the Police always respect press freedom and the media's right of reporting. The Police fully understand the importance of facilitating the media in their reporting activities and maintaining effective communication with them.
"The Chief Secretary for Administration and the Police Commissioner had met with the representatives of journalists associations and had listened to their views on arrangements of major security operations.
"Concerned departments will follow up on the issue and will continue to work hard to facilitate the media in reporting. For instance, events will be open to the press as far as possible. If there are other constraints, pool arrangement will be adopted as much as possible."
Separately, the spokesperson condemned the recent violent acts of some demonstrators who disrupted consultation forums and scuffled with venue staff, causing injuries and destroying facilities at the venues.
"The Government always respects freedom of speech. The community also believe that views should be expressed in a rational and peaceful manner," the spokesperson noted.
The spokesperson reminded protestors to abide by law and not to disrupt social order when expressing their views, and urged them to safeguard peace and rationalism which are core values of Hong Kong.
Ends/Monday, September 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:43
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