Kevin Lau and Hong Kong Media Freedom

Kevin Lau, former chief editor of Ming Pao, was savagely attacked by a man with a knife in the morning of 26th February and consequently suffered six blows to the body. After the ambush, the assailant reunited with his associate, who was driving a motorcycle, and fled the crime scene. Lau was sent to the hospital where he underwent treatment.

 As of 13th March, the Hong Kong Police Force have arrested eleven suspects that may have been involved in this brutal act. Amongst the suspects, at least two of them have been claimed to be members of local triads. According to the source, those two triad members were each offered $1 Million by their gang leader to carry out the attack.

 Although there has not been concrete evidence as to the reason behind the incident, it was seen by many as a threat to the freedom of press in Hong Kong, due to Lau’s journalistic involvement at Ming Pao before being replaced in January 2014. The day after the attack, a group of 200 people gathered outside the government headquarters to condemn the act of violence and demand for freedom of press to be protected.

It is understanding that various journalism organisations have expressed their concerns regarding the attack of Lau as several journalists have also been attacked in the past year, which leaves people with further doubts as to the true motive behind the attack.