ICIJ rejects speculations Journalist group: no link between editor's attack and its mainland probe

KEY IDEAS : 1. The ICIJ said it was not aware of any connection between the attack on Kevin Lau and reports on the offshore holdings of mainland officials. 2. Ching Cheong earlier suggested the two incidents may be related. THE International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) says it is unaware of any link between the brutal attack on former Ming Pao editor-in-chief Kevin Lau Chun-to (劉進圖) and the paper's partnership with it in reporting on the offshore holdings of mainland officials. Local political commentator and veteran journalist Ching Cheong (程翔) earlier suggested the two incidents may be related. ICIJ director Gerard Ryle said the Washington (華盛頓)-based consortium was proud to have worked with a brave editor on such an important project. "ICIJ is horrified to learn of the brutal attack on Kevin Lau," he said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin and his family, and we remain hopeful that local police will apprehend the perpetrators as soon as possible." Noting the speculation on the motive behind the attack, he said, "Such speculation, however, does reflect the real concern and anxiety felt by many in the Hong Kong press corps over continuing threats to press freedom. There is simply no justification for such an attack and it should provoke outrage." The investigative report carried by Ming Pao (明報) in January had information about companies registered in offshore taxhavens including the British Virgin Islands (英屬維爾京群島). It alleged that the daughter and daughters-in-law of former premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶) have stakes in such firms. Meanwhile, the state-run Global Times (環球時報) said in an opinion piece on its website that it is "highly irresponsible" to hint that someone or certain powers were behind the attack before the culprits are arrested. "Some Hong Kong people have linked the attack with a detailed report by Ming Pao, hinting that Lau became a victim after offending mainland officials. This kind of conclusion, which is not backed by evidence, should be condemned," it said. It also stated that if the attack was not due to personal reasons, it must have been by those who want to disrupt life in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, private investigators said the attack was most likely ordered by a mastermind, whose capture would be a huge challenge to police. (The Standard, Kelly Ip, 28 February, 2014) 1. brutal attack (n phr) 兇殘襲擊 2. offshore holding (n phr) 離岸財產 3. consortium (n) 聯合企業 4. horrify (v) 使震驚 5. perpetrator (n) 行兇者 6. justification (n) 可接受的理由