The Asia chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) is saddened to learn about the brutal attack on the former chief editor of Ming Pao in Hong Kong, Kevin Lau Chun-to. The chapter strongly condemns any violence against journalists.
Mr. Lau, 49, is a prominent journalist in Hong Kong, with 25 years of experience writing news reports and commentaries about Hong Kong and China. Under his leadership, Ming Pao partnered with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists to publish a series of investigative reports on the offshore assets of Chinese leaders. His demotion in January stirred many people in Hong Kong to take to the streets to call for press freedom.
AAJA has had a presence in Hong Kong since 1996 and stands in solidarity with other journalist groups and media organizations here – as well as thousands of protesters who rallied for justice on March 2 – to support a robust free press in the city.
“I’m shocked and horrified. Violence of any kind is unacceptable,” said AAJA National President Paul Cheung. “Our thoughts are with Mr. Lau for a speedy recovery and for the Hong Kong police to apprehend the attacker soon. When crimes against journalists go unsolved, it threatens the fabric of an informed society.”
AAJA is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that serves Asian American and Pacific Islander journalists. Our goals include making newsrooms in the U.S. more ethnically and racially diverse and ensuring fair and accurate coverage of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
The Asia chapter of AAJA has about 150 members across the region with hubs in Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and Singapore. Our members work for local and foreign media, from TVB, South China Morning Post, The Japan Times, Arirang TV to CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press and Voice of America.
It’s sbout time the national president of AAJA took a stand. Normally, the national board responds so that it comes from the entire organization. However, there seems to be a lack of response from AAJA when outgoing US ambassador Gary Locke was attacked as a “banana” in which the editor or writer didn’t ID himself or herself.
Perhaps AAJA does not realize that Gary Locke has been supportive of AAJA since he was elected governor of Washington back in the 90’s and has appeared as keynote speaker st least twice. He even sold his necktie at one AAJA gala for $1,000.