警方日前突然修訂《警察通例》下「傳媒代表」的定義,取消承認記協及香港攝影記者協會發出的記者證,變相由政府新聞處「發牌」。事件引起新聞業界強烈不滿,市民不安。
有網民發起今日中環快閃「和你Lunch」,捍衛真相與民主,抗議新聞自由受侵犯。下午1時,數十市民在中環皇后像廣場聚集,相隔最少1.5米,手持《蘋果日報》,靜默閱報,以示熱愛新聞自由,靜坐抗議,無懼附近有最少6-8輛警車及約20個警員及在巡邏,高度戒備。
Hong Kong police summarily revised the definition of “media representative” under the “General Police Order” and cancelled the recognition of the press card issued by the Hong Kong Journalist Association and the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association. They decided to recognise only journalists from news organisations accredited with the government, sparking concern and criticism from the city’s press groups and public anxiety.
Some netizens initiated today’s “Lunch with You” flashmob in Central to defend the truth and democracy and protest against the violation of press freedom. At 1 pm, dozens of citizens gathered at Statue Square in Central, at least 1.5 metres apart, holding up Apple Daily and reading the newspaper silently to show their love for press freedom, undaunted by at least 6-8 police vans and about 20 police officers patrolling nearby in high alert.