S for S speaks on Police’s arrest operation
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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session after attending the meeting of the Legislative Council today (July 21):
Reporter: Former staff from Apple Daily got arrested today. How likely Police’s action will lead to white terror among local journalists, just as what the HKJA (Hong Kong Journalists Association) has mentioned? And will there be more former Apple Daily staff being arrested, given that the news outlet has already been shut down? Thank you.
Secretary for Security: Whoever committed an offence will be arrested, disregarding their background, whatever they do, or what are their professions. It doesn’t really matter. If they committed an offence, they will be arrested. And if there is any evidence, they will be prosecuted.
Reporter: Are you afraid that it will trigger white terror among local journalists?
Secretary for Security: I don’t think what you said is correct. Everyone, disregarding his profession, as long as he is committing an offence, we have the obligation to arrest them and prosecute them if there is evidence.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)