HKJA Files Police Report Over DIY Press Pass Claim

The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) has filed a police report over a social media post that appeared to suggest that people can make their own press passes that bears the association's logo.

This comes after a pro-police film director Lee Lik-chi posted a photo of such a card on social media with a caption saying “anyone who wishes to be a journalist can do it yourself”.

Lee later deleted the post.

But HKJA chairman Chris Yeung said he suspects the post could be abetting others to falsify documents, and has asked the police to investigate further.

Speaking outside police headquarters on Friday, Yeung said that the HKJA's membership requirements are very strict, and that the card is recognised by the government and at official events.

"By saying to the public that they can do it yourself, we’re afraid that it might be a breach of existing laws," he said.

The comments come after the head of the Junior Police Officers' Association sent an open letter to members calling for a licensing regime for journalists, saying it has nothing to do with press freedom as Western countries also have similar systems in place, and that it would stop what he called "unprofessional reporters" from obstructing law enforcement works and reduce misunderstandings.