HKJA Warns Security Secretary Over Rumour Mongering

The Journalists Association on Wednesday warned Security Secretary John Lee against spreading rumours and urged him to be cautious in his words and actions.

The strongly-worded statement came after the minister told the Legislative Council on Wednesday that there were people posing as journalists who obstructed the police's law enforcement work and even participated in illegal, violent acts.

The association said Lee must not treat unverified rumours or his subjective opinions from what he saw on television as facts. It accused the official of failing in his duty to dispel "fake reporters" rumours aimed at smearing the media.

Instead, it said, Lee has declared multiple times, without providing evidence, that there'd been fake journalists at protest sites, and even alleged that such people had tried to free subdued suspects.

The association expressed regret over what it described as "irresponsible" remarks.