Statement regarding the charges against Allan Au Ka-lun

HKU Journalism echoes the concerns over charges laid against veteran journalist Allan Au Ka-lung.

Au is a highly respected member of our community, whose integrity and diligence was recognised with a Peabody Award and John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford.

The application of the sedition ordinance against seven journalists associated with the now-defunct news organisation Stand News raises concerns that law enforcement equates unfavourable press attention to criminal activity. If true, such discretionary interpretation of the law would have dire implications for the capacity of journalists to discharge their professional duties in good faith.

We therefore urge law enforcement to conduct any process against Au with full transparency to the public.