The extradition bill controversy has caused social conflicts and widespread protests in Hong Kong. During the reporting of the protests, journalists were driven away by police without justified reasons. They were pushed, insulted by police officers, or even hit by their batons and bean bag shots. The personal safety of journalists are being threatened, let alone being able to exercise their role as the fourth estate and monitoring the exercise of public power by the police.

Seven media groups and trade unions have decided to hold a “Stop Police Violence, Defend Press Freedom” silent march on July 14 to express our anger and demands. We urge and demand the police to be abide by the police general orders, facilitate the work of news media and respect press freedom. We also call on Chief Executive Carrie Lam to honour her promise to uphold press freedom as she signed the HKJA Press Freedom Charter during the chief executive election.

Details:-

Date: July 14th, 2019

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Gathering Location: Harcourt Garden

March to Hong Kong Police Headquarters, end at Office of the Chief Executive.

Dress code: black (reflective vest optional)

* All journalists, former journalists, journalism teaching staff and students, university newsletters editorial board members, are welcome to participate.

Hong Kong Journalists Association

Hong Kong Press Photographers Association

Independent Commentators Association

Journalism Educators for Press Freedom

Ming Pao Staff Association

Next Media Trade Union

RTHK Programme Staff Union