Asia-Pacific News
Hong Kong leader denies eroding press freedom
Nov 28, 2011, 8:06 GMT
Hong Kong - Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang on Monday defended his administration's respect for freedom of the press, after complaints that the media was excluded from a Chinese state visit.
'The free flow of news and information is of strategic importance to us, and a vital element for our success,' chief executive Tsang told a Global Editors Network forum.
Journalists had accused the city government of excluding them from a visit by Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang in August, and providing a pre-edited government video of about half of his visit.
'Freedom of speech as well as freedom of the press and publication are protected by law and specifically mentioned in our constitutional law,' Tsang told the press group.
The former British colony reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 under an arrangement guaranteeing rights including press freedom denied to people in mainland China.
Critics claim Beijing has gradually restricted freedoms and asserted greater political control over the city.
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