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Justice as attackers punished in Hong Kong
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands the Hong Kong Police Department bring the mastermind of the attack on Kevin Lau to justice immediately. The IFJ calls on the Hong Kong authorities to ensure all resources are used to bring those responsible to justice.
On August 13, the Hong Kong High Court found Yip Kim-wah and Wong Chi-wah guilty of grevious bodily harm and stealing a motorcycle. The charges relate to the attack on Editor-in-Chief of the Ming Pao Daily, Kevin Lau, on February 24, 2014. Lau was attacked on his way to breakfast. He was hospitalised for an extended time and now uses a walking stick to assist his mobility.
Following the High Court decision, Lau expressed gratitude to the police and court officers saying: “The verdict brings us light. It proves that any case involved in attacking media workers is able to bring culprit to justice. This case changes our past twenty years record which none of a culprit was bring to justice after media workers were attacked.”
He added that the aim of attacking media workers is jeopardizing press freedom and brings people to worry about the future of media industry. He is hoping the police department continues to investigate the case until the mastermind of his case can bring to justice.
The Ming Pao Union also welcomed the verdict of Lau’s case and also asked Hong Kong Police Department continue its investigation.
The IFJ Asia Pacific Office said: “We welcome the prosecution of the two attackers and see this as a positive step by the Hong Kong authorities to support press freedom. We urge the Hong Kong Police to ensure they continue the investigation to bring the mastermind of the attack to justice.”
We continue to express support and solidarity for Kevin Lau in his recover.