An escalation of the ongoing attack on the liberties of the Hong Kong people took place on Nov. 19. At 3:50 a.m. local time, four individuals dressed in black and wielding batons entered the print shop and warehouse of the Hong Kong edition of The Epoch Times and set a fire.
The telescopic batons carried by the thugs are similar to those used by the Hong Kong police. Two of the thugs who carried out the attack were dressed in black with masks, like the Hong Kong protesters. This was apparently done in an effort to confuse the situation, as this tactic fits a pattern we have seen in Hong Kong. Police and thugs have pretended to be protesters, journalists, and citizens, and committed violence, including beatings and arson, then blamed the protesters in an attempt to discredit them.
In fact, over the past five months or so, the Hong Kong Epoch Times has won the heartfelt appreciation of the people of Hong Kong. The paper has spared no effort in reporting on the situation there to the people of Hong Kong and the world, and has spoken out for the Hong Kong democracy movement.
The fire damaged a printing press, four rolls of printing paper, the control box casing of another printing press, and bundles of newspapers. Sprinklers activated by the fire soaked the machines, rolls of paper, and stacks of newspaper. The loss is being assessed.
Police and firefighters responded and made a report. They have requested the factory submit its CCTV footage as evidence.
The arson on the 19th is the fourth attack on The Epoch Times’ print shop in Hong Kong. In February 2006, thugs broke into it and attempted to smash the printers. In October 2012, thugs attempted to break into the print shop but could not smash open the gate. In December 2012, seven men carrying multiple toolboxes appeared and began attempting to break through the gate. They fled after police were called.
The protests in Hong Kong have been an attempt to defend the fundamental liberties of the people of Hong Kong. They feel that if they don’t protest now, the CCP will force its tyranny over this formerly free city.
The most recent attack on The Epoch Times was an attempt to deny to the Hong Kong people a free press.
The Epoch Times will not be cowed. Hong Kong Epoch Times President Guo Jun said: “We are urgently repairing the printing factory. We are sure that we will be able to publish successfully tomorrow. Thank you for your support!”
