ROBAFD
RESTRICTED
WHIT
Is.
RESTRICTIONS ON THE PRESS: PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE
Primarily a matter for Hong Kong Government.
We support the action they have taken.
The provision is in no sense a new one.
Following a review, Hong Kong Government considered that in such
a small and densely-populated place as Hong Kong, it was
necessary to retain some power to take action against anyone
publishing false news that might threaten public order.
The legislation passed by the Hong Kong Legislative Council on
11 March 1987 included repeal of a number of stringent provisions of the Control of Publications Ordinance, and the transfer of this
provision to the Public Order Ordinance.
Intention of provision is to maintain public order, not to limit freedom of the press.
It is evident to anyone who reads the Hong Kong press that they have in no way been inhibited by passage of the Ordinance.
-HK Media remain among the most free and outspoken in Asia.
REVIEW
The Hong Kong Government have given their assurances that they will carefully monitor the situation and will review this provision
in the light of experience.
RESTRICTED
PRESS
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