FCC accused of 'endorsing rioters' over media policy

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has accused the Foreign Correspondents' Club of "attempting to endorse the rioters" and "sowing more trouble" in Hong Kong for criticising the new media accreditation policy that took effect on Wednesday (Sept. 23).

In a strongly-worded statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed "strong disapproval of and firm opposition against the unwarranted remarks" made by the FCC in response to the police decision to amend the definition of "media representatives" in the Police General Orders.

The office defended the decision of the authorities to amend the definition, saying it was to safeguard the rights of "recognised media outlets" and journalists and to protect press freedom in Hong Kong.

It demanded that the FCC "stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs on the pretext of press freedom".

The spokesperson also alleged that some "anti-China troublemakers" in the city were disguising themselves as journalists and deliberately obstructing police from carrying out their duties during the unrest in the past 18 months.

It claimed that some of them had assaulted officers during the protests, hindered the work of other journalists, and undermined law and order.

"The truth is not to be distorted. By anxiously whitewashing the fake journalists, FCC Hong Kong is attempting to endorse the rioters and condone their 'burn with us' violence, thus sowing more trouble in the city," the spokesperson said.

"Hong Kong is part of China, and any media practitioner in the HKSAR shall strictly and voluntarily abide by national laws applied to Hong Kong and local laws. No organisation or individual shall seek privileges above the law, impede the HKSAR Government’s law-based governance, or endanger China’s national security and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability on the pretext of press freedom."

The FCC and various local media groups have voiced their opposition to Tuesday's announcement by the police that they would stop recognising reporters if they are registered with the government, or are a member of an internationally-known media group.

Journalist groups called it a blow to press freedom and have urged the police to retract this decision.

(Source: RTHK)