For better preparation of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference the HKJA had organized two seminars in October and November. We also invited the Police representative and Ms Janet Wong, Head of MC6 Co-ordination Office to have a meeting with medias’ representatives for arrangements during the WTO. Later, in a seminar organized by the Police Department, the 4 Journalistic Organizations (Hong Kong Journalists Association, Hong Kong News Executives’ Association, Hong Kong Federation of Journalists, Hong Kong Press Photographers’ Association) had outlined the works and expectation of media to the Police Liaison Officers. All in all, we strongly expressed our opinions that the Police should not infringe journalistic rights and should provide necessary helps, for instance, reserving high ground to reporters and camera-men to report and shoot the picture of protests.
According to the previous experience, journalists can predict the situation by the reaction from Police. For example, the police will put on their full gear before removing protestors from the scene. Paying attention to the scene is the golden rule to protect one’s safety. It is a valuable opportunity, for us as journalists, to cover and accumulate experience in this international event. Besides, during the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, the HKJA will provide a 24 hours legal hotline 2591-0693 to assist both local and foreign journalists.
Although the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference has been keeping us very busy, we still kept an eye on the violent acts to the medias; Ching Cheong detention; Review of RTHK; etc. For effectively HKJA’s duties and works, we need your recognition and supports, every part of our works need your participation.
The Taiwan visiting Tour is now open for registration; there are 20 quotas in a first come first serve base. The person in charge will be our Executive Committee member Mr. Wayne Yim. Also the JA Cup has entered into the second stage and 8 teams are left.
Finally, for the plane crash in Iran which caused the death of 68 journalists, we had written to the Consulate General of Iran in Hong Kong to express our condolence and urge them to guarantee the safety of air transport. Besides, two Xinhua News Agency’s journal-photographer, Zhou Wenguang and Wang Yan, passed away in accidence during works. The HKJA donated $5,001 to each of their family for immediate financial relief. Prominent Chinese journalist and writer Mr. Liu Binyan has passed away at 00.25am on 5 December in New Jersey because of cancer. He was 80 years old, exiled and known as “China’s conscience”; we express our deepest sympathy and wish him rest in peace.