26 May 2004
THREATS FORCE 3 RADIO HOSTS TO QUIT
Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and Freedom House are voicing concerns over press freedom in Hong Kong in the wake of recent resignations of three popular radio show hosts because of threats.
In recent months, Albert Cheng, Raymond Wong and Allen Lee have resigned from hosting popular talk-show programs on Commercial Radio after receiving threats over the content of their broadcasts, says Freedom House. In particular, they were warned not to be so critical of the Chinese government's policies towards Hong Kong, which have drawn widespread concern.
Cheng hosted "Teacup in a Storm" and was known for his outspoken criticism of Beijing. He survived a serious stabbing in August 1998 when assailants attacked him outside the premises of Commercial Radio, notes RSF.
His replacement, Allen Lee, resigned from the show on 19 May 2004 after only two weeks, saying he could no longer speak his mind freely. Raymond Wong, the host of another well-received show, "Close Encounter of the Political Kind," was physically attacked by an unidentified assailant in March. He resigned on 13 May.
The threats against these radio hosts are not isolated instances, says Freedom House. "We think it is no coincidence that pressure has been put on independent radio voices in light of the upcoming legislative elections and the recent decision by Beijing that it would block any attempt to democratize the current political system in Hong Kong," the organisation argues.
Visit these links:
- RSF: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=9712
- Freedom House: http://www.freedomhouse.org/media/pressrel/052404.htm
- Press Freedom Report by Hong Kong Journalists Association:
www.freeway.org.hk/hkja
- South China Morning Post: http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=11325
- BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3752223.stm
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