Now-defunct Stand News portal did not censor articles by bloggers even if ‘radical’ views on Hong Kong expressed, court hears
- Interviews with ex-opposition lawmakers and publications of their opinions were ‘clearly’ in public interest, says former editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen in sedition trial
- He took to witness box after judge on Monday found prima facie case of conspiracy to publish and reproduce seditious publications
The now-defunct Stand News portal did not censor articles penned by its bloggers even if they expressed “radical” views that Hong Kong authorities might find offensive, its former chief editor said during his ongoing sedition trial on Tuesday.
Former editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen told the District Court that respect for free speech was of utmost importance when he decided whether to approve the release of any story on the popular news site he co-founded.
Chung said the website’s interviews with former opposition lawmakers and publications of their opinions were “clearly” in the public interest and what “every media organisation would wish to do”. He dismissed prosecutors’ allegations he had used Stand News as a political platform to promote “illegal” ideologies.
“Rather than restricting free speech in the name of eradicating dangerous ideologies, one should eradicate dangerous ideologies by exercising free speech. Substantial freedom of speech is most beneficial to society,” he told the court.
Chung, 53, took to the witness box after a judge on Monday found a prima facie case of conspiracy to publish and reproduce seditious publications.