Chung Pui-Kuen, the former editor of the now defunct Hong Kong STAND NEWS, is currently on trial for publishing a number of “seditious” articles. Stand News trial: Ex-Hong Kong editor accused of sedition says politicians should be free to criticise authorities – Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (hongkongfp.com)
In defense of his editorial decisions Chung has told the court that “the space for free speech should permit the most fierce criticism and accusations, especially when the target is the authorities,” because government corruption might otherwise be the result. And he warned that “the government’s suppression of critical voices or opinions will cause hatred more easily” than any articles published in Stand News. Chung defended, in particular, the publication of two interviews with two politicians from the democratic opposition.
It was important that their voices were heard and preserved for the historical record, he argued, “Some would say journalism is to provide the first draft of history. While it can be flawed, incomplete, or with potential mistakes… at least it provides a basis for future discussions.”
Chung’s words are particularly remarkable because they were spoken at the same time as Hong Kong’s big show trial against 47 of its former democratic leaders is under way. His words sounded like a ringing defense of their right to speak and to hold the opinions they did. Their trial is certainly extraordinary. The 47 are accused of behavior that in other places would be considered part of the normal business of politics: organizing to win an election, trying to select the most promising candidates, proposing to stop the government’s budget, if they won a majority, and possibly even forcing the government to resign. But the authority’s understanding seems to have been that they were allowed to run only as long as they would not win and would be unable to enact their proposed policies.