Secret hearing for reporter accused of spying expected to start in Beijing today
Friends and colleagues of Ching Cheong are making a last-minute attempt to call for a fair trial for the Hong Kong-based journalist, who is expected to appear in a Beijing court this morning.
Ching, who is accused of spying for Taiwan and who works for The Straits Times of Singapore, has been detained for almost 16 months without trial.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association will hold a candle-light vigil in Chater Garden, Central, at 7pm today, following the expected opening of a secret hearing, possibly in Beijing No2 Intermediate People's Court.
'The association strongly urges the mainland authorities to handle Ching's case in a fair, just and open manner,' the association said in a statement.
Dozens of friends, journalists and politicians are expected to take part in the vigil in an effort to put pressure on Beijing over the case.
