17th April 2021 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong police posted on Facebook yesterday to condemn the “Apple Daily” and some individuals for discrediting the activities of the police and citizens, and wrote to the “Apple Daily” to strongly refute the statements. Commissioner of Police Chris Tang responded to the incident after attending the police college graduation parade this morning (17th), criticising “Apple Daily” for linking the photos of primary school students visiting the police college to ‘black violence’ describing the reporting as immoral. It also sent about 130 letters to the Apple Daily regarding its biased reporting, and lodged a complaint with the Hong Kong Press Council at the same time. The Council also agreed with the police’s complaint and stated that it would send letters to the media involved.
Tang said that in determining whether the report is malicious, in addition to the photo itself, he will also consider whether the report is meant to infiltrate the minds of the police supporters. He emphasised that although Hong Kong does not currently have laws against fake news, there is a national security law in place. Regarding the incitement to hate the country, it is reiterated that the police will investigate all illegal acts and will not target specific media. Tang once again condemned the reporting methods of the Apple Daily, saying that it was an immoral behaviour by inciting hatred in the society.
Apple Daily did not respond directly to police remarks but Mak King-hing, editor of Next Magazine under Apple Daily wrote an email to subscribers at 1pm today and highlighted the movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975). The main character, McMurphy, who pursued freedom, was sent to a mental hospital because he was regarded as a repeat offender and challenged his authority but institutional violence did not destroy humanity’s yearning for freedom. As a result, other silent residents broke their windows and went out to pursue freedom. Mak said further that, ‘Living in today’s unreasonable era, free speech itself is a high-risk behaviour. Active voices from all walks of life are disappearing and silenced and they are changing their tone for survival. The silent majority are more silent, but everyone’s eyes are watching, their hearts are emotional, and the remaining free voices are more cherished.’