Former Ming Pao chief editor Kevin Lau, who is currently the chief operating officer of MediaNet Holdings, was attacked by a man armed with a knife this morning.[1] This is a vicious attack against Lau.

Ming Pao Staff Concern Group, Hong Kong Journalists Association, Hong Kong Press Photographers Association, Independent Commentators Association, Next Media Trade Union, RTHK Programme Staff Union, Ming Pao Alumni, International Federation of Journalists & Journalism Educators for Press Freedom have condemned the brutal and violence attack against Lau. The attacker is not only targeting at the media sector, but also challenging the rule of law and security of Hong Kong through attacking Lau under broad daylight.

Hong Kong is a society that upholds the rule of law, and we do not tolerate the spread of violence. We are worried that the incident will pose a threat to the freedom of press and speech in Hong Kong. We are very angry about it.

We hope Mr Lau a full recovery soon, and we express our sympathy to his family. We strongly urge the police to seriously handle the case, and arrest the suspect as soon as possible.

Ming Pao Staff Concern Group

Hong Kong Journalists Association

Hong Kong Press Photographers Association

Independent Commentators Association

Next Media Trade Union

RTHK Programme Staff Union

Ming Pao Alumni

International Federation of Journalists

Journalism Educators for Press Freedom

26th February 2014

(Remark [1]: There are two suspects in the attack according to the latest release from the police)