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Johnny Tam

LO WEI

Motorcycle hitmen who carried out a "savage" knife attack that left one of Hong Kong's most influential journalists fighting for his life were still at large last night as the city reacted with shock, revulsion and anger.
Watch: Hong Kong ex-editor in press freedom row critical after attack

Kevin Lau Chun-to was ambushed as he got out of his car near a restaurant he frequents for breakfast shortly after 10.30am.
The attack, for which no motive has yet been established, was described by police sources as "a classic triad hit, which was designed to maim, not kill, to send a warning".

It was over in seconds after a pillion passenger got off the motorcycle and launched into Lau with a chopper. The journalist was able to call police on his mobile phone before he lost consciousness as the men sped off.
Last night the police released a grainy CCTV photo of the two suspects before the attack.
Their motorcycle was found in Sai Wan Ho Street, Shau Kei Wan, last night.
The attack has prompted a wave of local and international condemnation, including a strongly-worded statement from Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and United States Consul General Clifford Hart.
Lau's recent removal as chief editor of Ming Pao as part of an editorial power struggle reignited concerns over press freedom. Last night, the 49-year-old was in a "critical condition" in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan after a life-saving operation on a 16cm-long knife wound to his back.
The injury was so deep it exposed his chest cavity and vital organs. He also suffered another cut to his back and two more on each leg, which doctors say could threaten his ability to walk.
The gangland-style attack - just 100 metres from the police marine headquarters in Sai Wan Ho - moved senior management at Ming Pao to offer a HK$1 million reward for information.
Lau and his family have been placed under police protection.
Speculation has grown that the attack was connected to Lau's journalistic work, including Ming Pao's recent articles about the business affairs of senior mainland figures.
Leung, who visited Lau in hospital yesterday afternoon, described the attack as "deliberate" and "ruthless", adding: "We strongly condemn this savage act. Hong Kong is a lawful society and we will not tolerate violence."
In an unusual move, US Consulate General Clifford Hart issued a statement last night that said: "We welcome the Hong Kong Government's condemnation of this vicious crime and commitment to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice."
Civic Party lawmaker Claudia Mo Man-ching applied to move a motion for the adjournment of the Legislative Council meeting on March 19 to discuss the attack and its ramifications.

	We strongly condemn this savage act. Hong Kong is a lawful society and we will not tolerate violence

	Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying
Two police sources said the nature of the attack on Lau left little doubt that it was designed as a warning.
One said: "If they had wanted to kill him, they would have." The other added: "It was a classic triad hit. They went for the back and legs to warn him."
Last month, Lau was ousted as chief editor of Ming Pao, sparking a revolt in the newsroom by journalists who feared the paper's editorial independence might be undermined.
He is now the chief operating officer of MediaNet Resources, a subsidiary of the publication.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association said the attack was "a serious provocation to the Hong Kong press and freedom of expression".
Police appealed for witnesses and information on 9255 4063.



Ming Pao offers HK$1 million reward after editor critically injured in 'classic triad hit'

The police released a CCTV image shows two suspects on a motorcycle, while Lau (inset) was in a "critical condition" in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. Photos: SCMP Pictures

Kevin Lau is transferred to the operating theatre at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan. Photo: SCMP Pictures


CY Leung and Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man leave the hospital. Photo: Dickson Lee


CY Leung speaks to the media at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. Photo: Dickson Lee

A CCTV image of Sai Wan Ho Street after the attack. Police are appealing for information about the man walking past the car. Photo: SCMP Pictures

A CCTV image taken before the crime shows two suspects on a motorcycle on Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Vivian Chan Pik-kwan, wife of former Ming Pao chief editor Kevin Lau Chun-to, arrives at the hospital. Photo: Dickson Lee

Police investigate the scene of the attack on Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Harry's view

Kevin Lau Chun-to - a Hong Kong journalist at the centre of a storm

The scene of the knife attack on Kevin Lau Chun-to. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

NeoDemocrats hold a vigil outside the hospital where Lau is being treated. Photo: Dickson Lee

Vivien Lau visits her husband. Photo: Dickson Lee

Police look for the attackers’ motorcycle. Photo: Sam Tsang

Attack on Ming Pao editor latest of several on Hong Kong journalists

Leung Tin-wai was attacked in 1996. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Climate of fear on Sina Weibo over attack on Kevin Lau Chun-to

Hong Kong controversy over Li Wei-ling sacking and Ming Pao's removal of its editor is short on facts

Li Wei-ling

New editor to join Ming Pao … just don't call him 'chief'

Concerned: editorial staff Sin Wan-kei (front left) and Phyllis Tsang Kam-man (front right) address the media outside the Ming Pao office yesterday. Photo: Nora Tam

News

Hong Kong

Reward of HK$1m is offered by Ming Pao after motorcycle pair's attack on one of city's most influential journalists causes shock and revulsion


Motorcycle hitmen who carried out a "savage" knife attack that left one of Hong Kong's most influential journalists fighting for his life were still at large last night as the city reacted with shock, revulsion and anger.


Update | Ming Pao offers HK$1 million reward after editor critically injured in 'classic triad hit'

Reward of HK$1m is offered by Ming Pao after motorcycle pair's attack on one of city's most influential journalists causes shock and revulsion