‘Not question of freedom of speech’: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam takes aim at independence banners and malicious posters
Chief executive says debate about compassion as well as future of ‘one country, two systems’ formula guaranteeing city’s freedoms under China
Hong Kong’s leader on Tuesday said the posting of malicious or pro-independence messages on university noticeboards was not a question of freedom of speech, but a constitutional issue of respect for the “one country, two systems” governing formula that protects rights and freedoms in the city.
Speaking before a weekly meeting of the Executive Council, her team of policy advisers, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor accused critics of “trying to muddle things up” by suggesting the government had infringed on the “academic and institutional autonomy” of universities and other tertiary learning institutions by wading into the debate.
Earlier this month, messages in support of Hong Kong breaking away from Chinese rule were found plastered on noticeboards at several campuses, triggering a debate on whether such discussion was legal.
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Last week the issue was further complicated after messages of a malicious nature were added to the so-called “democracy wall” at the Education University of Hong Kong, a space set aside for students to express their views. One poster taunted Christine Choi Yuk-lin, a top education official, over her son’s recent suicide and another made light of the death of Chinese dissident and Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo.
Lam headed a chorus of condemnation and outrage on Friday over the “extremely callous” and “cold-blooded” message taunting Choi. She also condemned the pro-independence banners and posters.
But critics questioned why she did not issue a similar statement over the poster on Liu, which was put up after the one on Choi’s son was removed.