The Legislative Council will debate a motion tomorrow calling for the release of Ching Cheong, chief China correspondent of The Straits Times of Singapore. On November 24, the Beijing Higher People's Court rejected an appeal against his conviction for spying.
Ching, a seasoned and respected journalist, was detained in Guangdong in April last year, and was formally charged in August this year with spying for Taiwan. He was found guilty in a closed hearing of Beijing's Court of First Instance on August 31. Ching, his family and supporters have all along maintained his innocence. Many Hongkongers do not believe Ching was a spy.
Although the Beijing appeal court's decision came as no surprise, it caused consternation and dismay. To Ching's family and friends, it was a devastating blow. To people who wanted to believe China's legal and judicial system is improving, the verdict caused bitter disappointment.
The Legco debate is an attempt to show unified support for Ching and to press Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen to secure his early release. The administration has been criticised for being too passive, hiding behind the excuse that it could do little under the 'one country, two systems' principle. During the debate, legislators from different political parties are expected to act together in pressing for Ching's early release based on humanitarian grounds: his health is deteriorating.
Ching's jailing has not only had a chilling effect on the journalistic profession; it has also cast a long shadow over the academic and research community. Some who conduct research on the mainland fear they could be trapped in the same minefield. Thus, there is concern that the incident will lead to even more self-censorship. And this is probably what Beijing wants.
Ching's jailing disappointed people who wanted to believe that, under President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao , Beijing had cultivated more respect for the rule of law, and that the country was becoming more open, fair and just.