Hong Kong government accused of using appeal in HKTV case to delay action

The government faces criticism for using the appeal process to try to delay execution of the High Court's order that it reconsider its decision to reject HKTV's free-to-air licence in 2013.

Legislator and barrister Ronny Tong Ka-wah said the government was trying to halt the review of its decision for as long as possible using the appeal, which might take more than a year.

His comments came as Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Greg So Kam-leung said the government was looking into seeking a stay of that order during the appeal.

The Executive Council on Tuesday announced it would appeal against the court's decision last month that its rejection of HKTV's licence was unlawful.

"I think the government is definitely trying to delay the review [of the free TV licence decision]," Tong said. "If it didn't apply for appeal, the Executive Council would have to start the review immediately."

Tong said there was "zero chance" the court could start processing the government's appeal application this year given its full schedule.