Journalists' body voices concern

The Hong Kong Journalists Association expressed deep concern over the crackdown but offered no further comment, as the situation was still developing.

"The HKJA is deeply concerned that the police have repeatedly arrested senior members of the media and searched the offices of news organizations containing large quantities of journalistic materials within a year," it said.

"HKJA urges the government to protect press freedom in accordance with the Basic Law."

It also said it has learned that its chairman, Stand News deputy assignment editor Ronson Chan Ron-sing, was taken away by police. "We are investigating the incident and have no further comment at this time, but will announce any new information in due course," it said.

Lawmaker-elect Kenneth Fok Kai-kong said the arrests could be perceived by the public as the government tightening its grip on freedom of the press and speech.

In the same breath, Fok claimed the Basic Law protects rights and people should not worry about press freedom.

On Facebook, he said national security and press freedom are not incompatible. "Journalists or anyone cannot use 'freedom' as an excuse to publish speeches or information that may endanger national security.

"If the government does not follow up on such cases, it will be irresponsible and we can even say they allow crimes to happen."

"I also hope the arrests this time will not affect journalists in continuing with their objective and professional work."

Democratic Party chairman Lo Kin-hee said he couldn't understand the need for the operation and asked if authorities want to promote self-censorship in the media.

Both the Basic Law and the national security law state the law will protect Hongkongers' press freedom, he said, and the police have to explain the reason for the arrests, including which articles have violated the law and what kind of articles will be deemed as seditious.

"Otherwise, the journalism sector will not know what to do and conduct self-censorship, which will hurt press freedom. Citizens will also believe the government is targeting media outlets that criticize authorities, which is not good for mending the social split and restoring social harmony," he said.

The only non-pro-establishment lawmaker-elect Tik Chi-yuen refused to comment in detail, saying the judicial process has just started.

"I know that people are worried about freedom of speech, so it would be best if the police can release more details to the public as soon as possible and show the judicial process is fair," Tik said.