Police group proposes licensing for media

The head of the city's biggest police association has called for a licensing regime for journalists, saying it has nothing to do with press freedom as Western countries also have similar system, RTHK reports.
Lam Chi-wai said such a mechanism could stop the what he called "unprofessional reporters" from obstructing law enforcement works and reduce misunderstandings.
In an open letter to members of the Junior Police Officers' Association, Lam said if the licensing regime could be implemented, it's the news industry that's going to benefit.
He added the current threshold to be a reporter is too lax, leading to constant queries about the industry's professionalism.
He highlighted the recent case of a 13-year-old reporter and the derogatory comments by a web-based media’s reporter about the physical appearance of a female officers to back hims claims.
The police have been accused of attacking press freedom after officers pepper sprayed journalists covering a street protest in Mong Kok on Sunday, and ordered them to kneel down and stop recording.

Police Commissioner Chris Tang said later that the treatment was undesirable and he will meet with media groups next week to discuss the matter.