The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is calling on all affiliates to support the Hong Kong Journalists' Association (HKJA) in their appeal to Chinese authorities to release journalist Ching Cheong, who has been put under a form of detention in China since April 22, 2005.
The IFJ is urging all affiliates to send their endorsement of the following letter to Chinese President Hu Jiantao to the HKJA, via e-mail: hkja@hk.super.net or fax: +852 2572 7329, on or before June 20, 2005.
IFJ has protested to the Chinese Government in the following letter:
15 June 2005
Hu Jiantao
President
People's Republic of China
Via email: hkja@hk.super.net
Via fax: +852 2572 7329
Dear President,
As freedom advocates, we are deeply concerned about the case of veteran journalist Ching Cheong, who has been put under a form of detention known as "residence under surveillance" in China for more than a month and a half. We also find it difficult to accept comments about the case by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which made accusations of spying against Mr Ching without disclosing any supporting evidence.
The vagueness and lack of clarity of China's national security regulations constitute an invitation to abuse by law enforcers and, as a result, place reporters under great jeopardy. We ask that Chinese authorities deal with Mr Ching's case in a manner that is open, fair and consistent with the rule of law.
Mr Ching has been detained in isolation since April 22nd when he was sent to the mainland. We urge the Chinese government to respect his civil rights and to allow him to exercise his rights, including the right to have access to his relatives, to legal representation and to government representatives. In addition to being a correspondent of Singapore's Straits Times newspaper,
Mr Ching also holds permanent resident status in both Hong Kong and Singapore.
In the event that Chinese authorities are unable to support their accusations with evidence that is beyond reasonable doubt, Mr Ching should be allowed to return to Hong Kong freely. It is in line with the pledge made by the Chinese government that China is governed by the rule of law.
Yours sincerely,
Christopher Warren
President
International Federation of Journalists
Recommended Action:
Send appeals to the Chinese Government:
o Calling for Chinese authorities to deal with Ching Cheong's case in a fair, open and consistent manner.
o Calling for Chinese authorities to allow Mr Ching access to his relatives, legal and government representation.
o Calling for Ching's release and return to Hong Kong if no evidence is found to support the accusations.
Appeals:
Hu Jiantao
President
People's Republic of China
Via email: hkja@hk.super.net
Via fax: +852 2572 7329
Please copy appeals to the IFJ Asia Office at ifj@ifj-asia.org
For more information please contact:
Mak Yin-ting
Hong Kong Journalists' Association
Flat A, 15/F, Henta Commercial Bldg., 348-350 Lockhart Road,
