Full Page Hk Newspaper Ad Urges Academic Protection

Around 500 politicians, academics and journalists in Hong Kong have signed a petition urging the protection of academic freedom amid concerns pro-democracy scholars are coming under increasing pressure, local media reported Tuesday   



The statement - published Monday in a full-page advert in the Chinese language Ming Pao newspaper - expressed concern at recent developments it said threaten academic freedom and the autonomy of universities and schools.  



Signatories said they were concerned by recent personal attacks by pro-Beijing media on scholars and senior government officials' criticism of student bodies and publications, The Standard reported.    



"Academic freedom and the autonomy of educational institutions are fundamental rights guaranteed to Hong Kong under Article 137 of the Basic Law they are a mainstay of our free, just and stable society," the statement said. 



The petition also expressed the signatories' concerns about increasing interference in teaching materials and undue intervention over the appointment of university officials. 



The former University of Hong Kong's law dean, Professor Johannes Chan, came under repeated attack from pro-Beijing newspaper Wen Wei Po last month.



The paper accused him of "meddling in politics," adding that the quality of the faculty's research had deteriorated during the 12 years he led the department.



The attack lasted two weeks. It came at a time when Chan was tipped to become the next pro-vice-chancellor at the university. 



The statement's signatories included former chief secretary Anson Chan and pan-democratic lawmakers.



Academics who put their names to it included Eric Cheung, a lecturer in the University of Hong Kong's law faculty, and Ivan Choy, a lecturer and political analyst at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.



Journalist Ching Cheong, barrister Gladys Li and film critic Kenneth Ip also signed.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Hong Kong