Police investigate stalking of Sing Pao staff

February 22, 2017 14:47

Police are investigating alleged stalking of Sing Pao staff by suspected mainland operatives.

The newspaper has also received threatening e-mails and phone calls, the Hong Kong Economic Journal reports.

Sing Pao has been publishing a series of front-page articles critical of some chief executive candidates and Beijing's Liaison Office since August.

The stalking started in mid-February when large groups of suspected mainlanders began harassing staff and taking their photos.

One of the targets was chief editor Lau Mei-yee.

Police said they received a report from a woman on Feb. 19 that her personal safety was at risk, according to Ming Pao Daily.

Recently the woman contacted the police again concerning slanderous flyers with her photo and plastered in her neighborhood.

Other management staff of the newspaper have also had their photos posted on flyers.

The flyers say Sing Pao chairman Gu Zhuoheng owes money to his employees.

The photos are said to have been taken from their Home Return Permits.

The police confirmed to HKEJ that Sing Pao has filed a case against the suspects.

Sing Pao believes the incidents are most likely tied to the articles.

It said its website has been hacked in the past month, causing disruptions on February 18 and 19.

In addition, its e-mail accounts have been swamped with spam mail every seven minutes or so at one time.

Gu issued a statement condemning the threats to Sing Pao's management.

He challenged anyone who is dissatisfied with the newspaper to express their opinions by lawful means instead of resorting to rogue tactics.

The newspaper said it is worried about the safety of its employees but vowed to continue its editorial line.

Legislator James To expressed concern over the incidents, describing them as a challenge to Hong Kong’s freedom of the press.

He urged the police to investigate and ensure the safety of Sing Pao workers.

EL/AC/RA

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