On September 30, Ming Pao published an article written by Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee titled “Kuen, hang in there.” The piece discusses the “Stand News” case in an indirect and metaphorical manner. Throughout the text, Chung Pui-kuen is “heroized” after being convicted in a fair and open trial, disregarding the clear court decisions, and romanticizing Chung’s criminal activities as so-called “journalistic work.” The SAR government must sternly point out its misleading aspects to correct public perception.
Anyone inciting support for illegal activities should be condemned. The court clearly stated in its judgment that the defendant was not engaged in genuine media work during the incident but was involved in what was then called resistance.
“Stand News” advocated excluding Chinese localism and, during the “anti-extradition law amendment bill” period, became a tool for smearing and slandering the central and SAR governments. The court ruled that the articles involved were attacking laws such as the “Hong Kong National Security Law” and the “Criminal Offences Ordinance,” and related law enforcement and prosecution procedures without any objective basis; they spread hate and anti-government sentiment with fake news; they attacked police law enforcement and glorified rioters’ actions—in other words, they were not based on facts. The court believed these inciting articles caused considerable harm to the central and SAR governments and their residents, marking a serious offense.
The court also pointed out that the defendant, during his tenure as the editor-in-chief of “Stand News,” was aware of and agreed with the seditious intent of the articles, using “Stand News” as a publishing platform intended to incite hatred against the central or SAR governments and the judiciary.
The court mentioned that according to the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the media must adhere to and fulfill “special responsibilities and duties,” including protecting national security or public order. The “European Convention on Human Rights” states that journalists must act sincerely, based on accurate facts, to be entitled to the rights of free speech and press freedom.
From “Stand News” editorials and “StandBlog,” it is evident that the defendant sided with the protesters against the government. It is clear from this that the defendant was not simply a journalist nor was he convicted by the court simply for failing to report the facts as part of his journalistic duties.
The court stated that journalists, like everyone else, are obligated to comply with all laws. As long as it is based on facts, the media’s freedom to comment and criticize government policies is not restricted.
In fact, after the sentencing, the Hong Kong journalism community, including the Hong Kong Federation of Journalists and the Hong Kong Association of Media Veterans, expressed support, recognizing the court’s decision as well-substantiated, convincing, and a reflection of the rule of law, embodying judicial fairness, and safeguarding press freedom.
As the Chief Executive has previously pointed out, the credibility of the news cannot be compromised by those who use the news platform to undermine the rule of law. The media’s power to communicate and influence is significant, and I believe Ming Pao, as a responsible media outlet, will adhere to the “special responsibilities and duties” of the media outlined in the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” to protect national security or public order, and not be used by others as a platform to incite support for illegal activities.
(Editor’s note: The article title was devised by our editors.)