Hope over 'press gag'

Journalists who disclose ICAC investigations may escape legal punishment under a new provision in proposed legislation.

Under the provision, journalists would have available to them the defence that their report was in the public interest. Officials attending a Legco bills committee meeting on the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance agreed to accept proposals by independent legislator Christine Loh Kung-wai about Section 30, the so-called 'press gag' law.

The clause makes it an offence to reveal details of investigations by the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Under the new provision, people disclosing misconduct by the ICAC, such as abuse of authority and neglect in the performance of duty, are not considered breaking the law.