Death Sentence
HIC Press Review 31/56%
During the week under review, the newspapers again showed much interest in the death sentence issue. Their comments were directed mainly towards the opinions of Mr. Justice Blair-Kerr, Senior Puisue Judge and the three visiting British MPs. The following are the papers which aired editorial views:
New Life Evening Post (1.6.73)
Sing Tao Man Po (1.6.73)
Tin Tin Yat Po (3.6.73)
Hong Kong Daily News (4.6.73)
Fai Po (4.6.73)
Sing Tao Man Po (4.6.73)
Fai Po (5.6.73)
Sing Tao Jih Po (5.6.73)
The papers agreed that the British Government's recommendation to the Queen on the plea for mercy by Tsoi Kwok-cheong surprised and shocked many people in Hong Kong.
"We regret to say that the British Government's decision was made too quickly. They should have studied the social order situation in Hong Kong and taken account of public opinion before granting Tsoi a reprieve. Their recommendation to the Queen was made under political and religious pressure. But they should not interfere with the administration of Hong Kong unless it is absolutely necessary. We hope that history will not repeat itself," said New Life Evening Post (1.6.73).
"Tsoi Kwok-cheong's reprieve showed that Britain does not like Hong Kong to have the death sentence when it has already been abolished there. But Hong Kong has a very different environment from Britain. It is a rotten idea that British laws also apply to Hong Kong," said Sing Tao Man Po (1.6.73).
"The decision of the British Government aroused the dissatisfaction of Hong Kong people. It has hampered the Fight Violent Crime Campaign in Hong Kong, said Tin Tin Yat Po (3.6.73).
14.