Hong Kong’s No 2 official rejects application by journalists’ groups to hold rally, saying coronavirus situation remains severe
- Appeal board had granted conditional approval for Hong Kong Journalists Association event but Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung had final say
- Rally planned for Sunday was over arrest of RTHK reporter who was involved in producing programme on July 21 Yuen Long mob attack
The office of Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said on Friday night it received letters from the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) on Wednesday and Thursday requesting he give special approval – under the current regulation prohibiting public gatherings of more than four people – for a rally to be held on Sunday.
“Hong Kong’s epidemic situation remains severe and is seeing signs of deterioration. To protect public health, the Department of Health does not recommend holding any activities that would involve mass gathering, especially under the current situation of persistent hidden transmission of Covid-19 in the community,” the office said.
“In view of information provided by HKJA, the government could not establish the planned rally meets relevant clauses in the 599G regulation.”
The Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions reached a unanimous decision on Friday evening in favour of the HKJA, which had sought to overturn a police ban on its Sunday rally on Hong Kong Island.