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Art Critics Call for Protecting Freedom of Expression
15th May 2004

Responding to the recent resignations of the radio hosts of two popular phone-in programmes, the Hong Kong chapter of the International Art Critics Association (AICA/HK) issues the following statement to express their concerning over the increasing threat to the freedom of expression in Hong Kong:

“Members of the International Art Critics Association, Hong Kong are deeply disturbed by the recent resignations of Mr. Wong Yuk-man and Mr. Albert Cheng King-hon from their phone-in radio programmes. The departure of Mr. Wong and Mr. Cheung, who have been continuously threatened and intimidated for their outspoken comments, is the sign of an increased violation of the freedom of expression in Hong Kong. We are further distressed by the indifference of the government toward the seriousness of these kinds of criminal intimidation, and its lack of substantial action in protecting the basic right of Hong Kong people, including those who criticize the government.

Freedom of expression is essential for the intellectual and cultural development of a society, and is crucial for any form of cultural expression. We urge members of the cultural community to voice their protests against this emerging threat to our basic right, and demand the government to take immediate action with all the power it can command to stop any forms of intimidation that intends to suffocate our freedom of expression.”