Hong Kong: China state media journalist attacked at airport protests

Global Times’ journalist Fu Guohao was attacked during protests at Hong Kong International Airport on August 13. The International Federation Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) have condemned the attack, calling on the Hong Kong people to ensure the media are free to do their job.

Global Times’ journalist Fu Guohao as medics removed him from the airport. Credit: Anthony Wallace/AFP

According to the Global Times, which is a Chinese state run tabloid, Fu was ‘illegally seized and brutally assualted’ at Hong Kong Airport. According to reports, Fu was tied up and beaten after he failed to produce a press pass when questioned by protesters. 

In a statement, HKJA said that they were disappointed by the attack on Fu and urged Hong Kong residents to show respect to journalists. HKJA also called on mainland journalists to show press credentials when covering the protests.

The IFJ said: “We stand in HKJA is reminding the citizens of Hong Kong to respect press freedom and the rights of journalists who are simply doing their jobs. We urge journalists in Hong Kong to carry their identification to ensure any misunderstandings are resolved quickly.”

We also urge the media to respect the wishes of those who do not want to interviewed or photographed.

For further information contact IFJ Asia - Pacific on [email protected]

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries

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