Maria Tam Brushes Aside Press Freedom Worries

The vice-chairwoman of the Basic Law Committee, Maria Tam, has brushed aside concerns that the arrest of media tycoon Jimmy Lai has undermined freedom of the press, or freedom of speech.

Speaking on a radio programme on Saturday, Tam pointed out that Lai's newspaper, Apple Daily, is still being published.

She said that while people should speak up when the government makes mistakes, no one should seek foreign sanctions on Hong Kong, or try to paralyse or overthrow the administration.

Lai was arrested by police on Monday on suspicion of violating the newly imposed national security law, and conspiracy to defraud. He was released on bail early on Wednesday morning.

Scores of officers had descended on the Apple Daily offices in Tseung Kwan O on Monday, with the force saying they were searching the building to investigate a crime related to national security.

Lai and several Next Media group executives have launched legal action against the police, demanding the return of any seized documents or material not covered by the search warrant.