CY wants apology from newspaper for allegel libel
(02-07 15:00)
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has demanded an apology and a retraction over a commentary that accused him of links with triads. The demand was contained in a letter sent by Mr Leung's solicitors to the Hong Kong Economic Journal following the publication late last month, RTHK reports.
In a statement, Leung said the article had accused him of being connected with triads. He said it was a serious allegation that must be dealt with seriously. Leung stressed that he had always respected freedom of speech and of the press.
The article -- written by commentator Joseph Lian Yi-zheng -- referred to accusations made by a former leading supporter of Mr Leung, Lew Mon-hung. Lian said he was shocked by the move and believed Mr Leung was being irrational.
In a statement, the Economic Journal said the commentary was published in the public interest. However, it said it would apologise if the article had led readers to draw unfair conclusions about Leung.
Democratic Party legislator James To Kaun-sun says the threat of libel action against the newspaper appears to be aimed at the media's handling of accusations made by Lew against the Chief Executive.
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