Secretary for Security Cheong Kuoc Va said that initial investigations suggested that the alleged assault by police officer on two Hong Kong journalists last Saturday "did not comply with the fact."

Supported by the footage taken by police authorities, Cheong explained at a conference held yesterday (February 17th) afternoon the whole course of the incident and made further clarifications.

Cheong said that the security authorities were greatly concerned about the incident, adding police authorities had looked into the case.

He also said that the investigation would be carried out "thoroughly and selflessly" line with laws.

He stressed that it was the duty of the law enforcement personnel that maintaining the public order, safeguarding the safety and lawful rights of the public.

He emphasized that police officers always respect media's right to information so as to guarantee the press freedom the public's right to know.

While, Commissioner-General of the Unitary Police Service, José/; Proenç/;a Lo Branco said some Hong Kong journalists had only been "intercepted" by police officers when they failed to follow normal entry procedure and jumped over the railing inside the restricted area of the immigration hall at the Jetfoil Terminal.

Branco noted that police officers did not assault journalists in the whole incident, while some journalists disregarded the repeated advice of police officers not to film inside the restricted area had led to this incident.

He said an in-depth investigation of the incident would be followed up and any evidence of a criminal matter would be passed on the Public Prosecution Office.

He added this individual incident would not affect the good relations between the police and the media.