Govt hits back at smears by member countries of so-called ‘Media Freedom Coalition’

The government hit back at the smears made by 24 foreign countries, including the US and the UK, on Friday under the name of the so-called “Media Freedom Coalition” that Hong Kong and China continue to attack freedom of press and suppress independent local media. 

The Commissioner’s Office of Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong also issued a statement and blasted these countries for interfering in its internal affairs. 

A spokesman for the SAR Government said Hongkongers enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech as protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. 

“Article 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law stipulates that such freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents shall be protected in accordance with the law in safeguarding national security in the SAR,” he said. 

Yet, the spokesman noted that freedom of the press and freedom of speech are not absolute. 

He continued that the exercise of freedoms may be subject to restrictions that are provided by law and are necessary for pursuing legitimate aims such as protection of national security or public order. 

“The media landscape in Hong Kong is as vibrant as ever. A total of 213 media organizations, be they based locally, on the mainland or overseas, are registered with the SAR Government News and Media Information System of the Information Services Department at present.” 

Their freedom of commenting on and criticizing government policies remains uninhibited as long as this is not in violation of the law, the spokesman stressed.