Police officers carried out duties in accordance with the law in Causeway Bay yesterday (June 4), dedicated to upholding law and order and public peace, and safeguarding the life and property of citizens. However, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) today (June 5) issued a statement on the Police’s operation, with inaccurate content and groundless accusation. Police expressed strong condemnation against the statement.

     Police clarified that at about 8.45pm last night, police officers found a foreign man and a woman outside SOGO Hong Kong in Causeway Bay, whose behavior had attracted a large crowd of people, which might lead to a breach of the public peace, so the police officers took them back to Wan Chai Police Station for investigation with their consent, and they were later released. The action was based on their behavior at the time and had nothing to do with their profession.

     Regarding an online media reporter claiming that he had been given “an unreasonable warning", this was not the case either. In fact, police officers were conducting a stop and search operation at the scene. In view of the crowded situation at the scene, it was necessary for Police to further expand the area of operation to carry out their duties effectively. The Force Media Liaison Cadre (FMLC) was at the scene to coordinate and offer advice. While most of the journalists were cooperative, the online media reporter refused to cooperate and kept shouting, causing confusion. Police officers then issued a warning to him and asked him to enter the operation area to further issue a stern and clear warning.

     Police appealed to journalists to exercise professionalism, report and comment on news events accurately and pertinently and based on facts, and refrain from publishing false information so as to sustain their credibility in serving the community.

     Police reiterated that the Force has all along respected press freedom and journalists’ right to report. Police also understand the need for journalists to report and film at the scene. Without compromising operational efficiency, the Police will continue to facilitate journalists’ reporting work, including the deployment of FMLC to coordinate at the scene. Police will also continue to communicate with the media industry to enable both sides to perform their respective functions properly.

Ends/Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Issued at HKT 23:46

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