Thread by @KongTsungGan

Part of the on-going campaign by #CCP, #HK govt & their allies to muzzle RTHK & to censor satire as a form of expression. All they will countenance is Carrie Lam’s Orwellian ‘Truth About Hong Kong’. Now more than ever we have to speak up for free speech & a free press.

https://twitter.com/timmysung/status/1262673279153606657

#HK govt has now followed up on Communications Authority censure of RTHK with a demand for a full review & apology. This is entirely out of order & full-on censorship. #SupportRTHK #FreePress news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/compon…

RTHK has said it accepts the Communications Authority censure & it will suspend the censured program ‘Headliners’ at the end of the current season. This looks to be RTHK caving in to government censorship. Must await details for the full picture.

Basically the signal sent is criticism or satire of police is off-limits in the mainstream #HK press. Not only are police above the law when it comes to their political errands on behalf of the #CCP (ie, crushing protests) but #PressFreedom stops at their door.

The #CCP is trying to bring to heel a public broadcaster that’s proven frustratingly independent. While Apple Daily is financially independent, RTHK is publicly funded. If things are to continue in this way, #PressFreedom & freedom of expression will erode rapidly in #HK.

Communications Authority’s full ruling on RTHK’s ‘Headliners’ (not the press release which is but a summary) is over the top. While on the one hand recognising the program is satire, it goes on to be oblivious to how satire works. #SupportRTHK news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/compon…

This is 2nd RTHK program Communications Authority has recently censured. The 1st also had to do w statements re police. Police are unaccountable, protected by court injunctions, IPCC report, #CCP & #HK govt, & can abuse & attack protesters at will. They can’t even be criticized.

Judge for yourself: The episode of 'Headliners' for which RTHK's been censured. 'Headliners' has aired since 1989 & is a part of many #HK people's lives. It would be as if Saturday Night Live or Late Show w Stephen Colbert suddenly buckled to censorship.