(defensive)
Xi Yang (pron. Shee Yang), Ming Pao journalist charged by China
with "stealing and probing" state secrets.
We share the concerns expressed by the Hong Kong press and public about the handling of Mr Xi's case.
- We have instructed our Embassy in Peking to ask the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs for clarification of the offences with which
Mr Xi has been charged, and of the legal procedures to which he
will now be subject.
(If raised)
What do you mean by "the handling of his case"?
I
· T ́understand that there was an expectation that he would be
released, and then it was announced that he had been charged; also hope there will be early access permitted for his family or legal representatives.
Xi Yang is a Chinese citizen arrested in China for a crime under Chinese law. What business is it of HMG/HKG?
Chinese law is of course a matter for China. But Mr Xi is
also a Hong Kong journalist working for a Hong Kong newspaper. I cannot comment upon the details of this particular case,
because I do not know them. But I am aware of the concern in
Hong Kong about the uncertainty among journalists operating in China in knowing what is legal and what is not.
remarks.NAT.JRB
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.