Thousands of people rally after the attack on the editor in Hong Kong

Thousands of people rally after the attack on the editor in Hong Kong

Thousands of people took to the streets in Hong Kong on minggi , protesting threats to press freedom in the city , a few days after a former newspaper editor attacked by unknown people machete in broad daylight .

Kevin Lau , a former editor of Ming Pao Daily , in critical condition after being brutally attacked on Wednesday. International organizations to observe the action seems assess media as a warning that media freedom was in danger in the city as Beijing seeks to tighten control .

Protest organizers said about 13,000 people, including journalists , activists and MPs participated in the parade . Police said the number of people who rally around 8,600 .

The black-clad protesters carried signs that read " they could kill us all " while they condemn the brutal attack over Lau .

They urged the police solve the case immediately and declare reporters will not waver rocked by violence .

" We need to let the forces of evil that the knife will not shake us , " said Chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association , Sham Yee - lan , told reporters outside the government offices , before moving to the police headquarters to deliver a petition with 30,000 signatures .

Ronan Chan , journalism student , told the AFP news agency , " I still want to be a journalist . I will not be affected by the incident ... one place without the freedom of speech is not a civilized society . "

Lau condition improved on Saturday when he was released from the hospital emergency unit to another unit controls, greeted reporters with a wave.

In a voice recording that was played over loudspeakers in the parade , Lau said , " We will be frightened by the violence . If we are afraid , we are going to lose independence . Sure I hope all the journalists there is justice . "

"People should not accept the independence of origin . We do not assume will never change . Anybody should keep it, " he said .

Lau makes surprise attack on a town known for its safety , prompting the leader of Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun - ying, who stressed that freedom of speech would be protected , AFP reported .