Remarks by Mr Daniel Li Ming-chak, Acting Commissioner of the ICAC, at Stand-up Session
2004-7-28
First of all, I wish to reiterate once again that the ICAC has every respect for press freedom, and we have absolutely no intention to damage press freedom.
As a law enforcement agency, the ICAC has a statutory duty to investigate allegations of serious offences in the case, to uphold the rule of law.
In conducting this investigation and searches, the ICAC has struck a balance between the freedom of the press and the administration of justice. And all actions have been conducted in accordance with the law.
As the case is still under investigation, and legal proceedings have already commenced on one of the issues, I hope the public will appreciate that we have difficulties at the moment to disclose the details of the case.
But in view of concerns raised by the media, I have arranged to meet separately with representatives of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Newspaper Executives' Association and Hong Kong Federation of Journalists on Friday and Saturday.
As a law enforcement agency, the ICAC has a statutory duty to investigate allegations of serious offences in the case, to uphold the rule of law.
In conducting this investigation and searches, the ICAC has struck a balance between the freedom of the press and the administration of justice. And all actions have been conducted in accordance with the law.
As the case is still under investigation, and legal proceedings have already commenced on one of the issues, I hope the public will appreciate that we have difficulties at the moment to disclose the details of the case.
But in view of concerns raised by the media, I have arranged to meet separately with representatives of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Newspaper Executives' Association and Hong Kong Federation of Journalists on Friday and Saturday.