A district council election candidate filed a complaint to the Electoral Affairs Commission yesterday over a newspaper report that described him as an extreme activist.
Lau Shan-ching, of the Democratic Party, said the report, which appeared in the Beijing-funded Wen Wei Po on Sunday, had undermined his chances of winning in San Po Kong constituency, Wong Tai Sin.
The report questioned the motives of Mr Lau for standing. He was jailed for 10 years on the mainland for 'counter-revolutionary activities'.
It said Mr Lau's rival, Lee Tat-yan, had served the community for years and had a better chance.
Mr Lee is a member of Wong Tai Sin Provisional District Board.
Mr Lau claimed the article, under the byline of staff reporter, was written for political reasons.