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Thousands from across the political spectrum rallied yesterday in support of press freedom and to condemn the attack last week on former Ming Pao chief editor Kevin Lau Chun-to.
A recording by Lau, who is recovering from chop wounds that left him close to death, for journalists to stand fearless and safeguard media freedom was broadcast along the route of the march from the Tamar government headquarters to police headquarters in Wan Chai.
"Violence is meant to intimidate. If we are frightened into submission, we will lose our freedom," said Lau, who recorded the message from his bed in Eastern Hospital.
Watch: Thousands protest against attack on Kevin Lau, calling for press freedom

The Journalists Association said 13,000 took part. Police put the figure at 8,600. The rally, which included a silent vigil to condemn violence, was the second related to fears about press freedom in two weeks.
There was a rare show of political unity as lawmakers from various pan-democratic groups marched alongside legislators from the Beijing-friendly camp.

Christopher Chung Shu-kun, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, signed the main banner stating "They Can't Kill Us All". In January he voted against a Legco motion to safeguard editorial independence.
Association chairwoman Sham Yee-lan pledged that media workers would continue to stand firm in the face of threats.
"Violence will only make our voice louder," she said.

Also taking part was Ming Pao's new chief editor, Cheung Kin-bor, and Chong Tien Siong, new principal executive editor. Singer Wong Yiu-ming and actress Sheren Tang Shui-man were among showbiz stars.
The rally was organised by the Press Coalition Against Violence, which consists of five industry organisations.

A government spokesman said the administration attached great importance to press freedom and freedom of speech.
Lau was chopped in the back and legs on Wednesday as he got out of his car near a restaurant in Sai Wan Ho. A friend said his condition had improved and he was able to eat solid food.

Li Kin-fai, regional police commander of Hong Kong Island, appealed to the public to contact them with any information about the case.
Police are checking CCTV footage at border checkpoints to see if one of the two suspects had fled to the mainland.
Tweets by @joannachiu 

 


Kevin Lau's statement
A Chinese couplet on a poster from my days at the University of Hong Kong came to mind when I was lying in bed after surgery. It read: "A pen in hand … to tell the truth; for freedom is without fear or favour."
The news media will only be truly inspiring when its practitioners persist in upholding truth and justice. And only those without fear or favour can truly be free.
Violence is meant to intimidate. If we are frightened into submission, we will lose our freedom. We journalists must stand fearless. We must insist that justice be served. We must strive to tell the truth without fear or favour
Freedom is not given. Freedom is not free. We all have to earn it and guard it.


'They can't kill us all': Thousands protest chopper attack on Ming Pao editor Kevin Lau

A banner proclaiming "They Can't Kill Us All" is displayed at the government offices in Tamar. Photo: Felix Wong

Hundreds of journalists gather around the main banner that reads "They Can't Kill Us All". Photo: Felix Wong 

Protesters hold placards during a protest against the brutal attack on Ming Pao former editor Kevin Lau in Hong Kong on March 2, 2014. Photo: EPA

Ming Pao's former chief editor Kevin Lau is transferred to a private ward at Eastern Hospital on Saturday after spending three days in intensive care. Photo: Reuters

Singer Wong Yiu-ming (inset, top) and actress Sheren Tang Shui-man attended the rally. Photos: K.Y. Cheng, Jonathan Wong, Nora Tam

Ming Pao chief editor Cheung Kin-bor (centre) and chief executive editor Chong Tien Siong (right) attend the march against violence on journalists. Photo: Reuters

Kevin Lau Chun-to: brutal attack on a well-respected journalist

A placard with Chinese characters reading 'Condemn Violence' and a picture of Kevin Lau displayed during a demonstration outside the hospital where he is being treated. Photo: AP

Whole of Hong Kong must take action in response to attack on Kevin Lau

Members of The Hong Kong Journalists Association, Staffs of Ming Pao and supporters hold a banner displaying "They Can't Kill Us All" during the march in support of press freedom. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

New editor at Ming Pao vows to defend journalism

Journalists Association members, Ming Pao employees and supporters hold a banner saying "They can't kill us all". Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Protesters hold signs saying "They can't kill us all". Photo: Felix Wong

Tiong Kiew Chiong (left), chief executive of Ming Pao's parent firm Media Chinese International, joins the daily's new principal executive editor Chong Tien Siong (right) on the march. Photo: Felix Wong

Kevin Lau is likened to match referees - who get assaulted, too

Ida Chan (2nd right) and her family

'I'm okay': Kevin Lau gives defiant signal as he is moved out of intensive care

Kevin Lau left intensive care. Photo: SMP

Leung Chai-yan courted controversy

News

Hong Kong

Thousands put aside differences to condemn vicious attack on Kevin Lau


Thousands from across the political spectrum rallied yesterday in support of press freedom and to condemn the attack last week on former Ming Pao chief editor Kevin Lau Chun-to.


'They can't kill us all': Thousands protest chopper attack on Ming Pao editor Kevin Lau

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Thousands put aside differences to condemn vicious attack on Kevin Lau

Thousands put aside differences to condemn vicious attack on Kevin Lau