Hong Kong ( Protest after attack on " former Chief Editor " of Ming Pao )

 

A Hong Kong news editor injured in a cleaver attack is improving, officials say, as journalists held vigils condemning the violence.

Kevin Lau, the former chief editor of newspaper Ming Pao, was critically wounded after being attacked by two men on Wednesday.

Police are investigating the attack.

Mr Lau was recently replaced by a Malaysian editor viewed as pro-Beijing, sparking fears among staff that the paper's independence was under threat.

Ming Pao is a respected Chinese-language Hong Kong paper known for its investigative reporting.
'Heartbroken'
In a statement, Mr Lau's family said that he was now conscious and able to communicate by writing.

"We are confident that with your support and Kevin's own determination, he will not only recover but continue to serve shoulder by shoulder with his fellow journalists," his family added.

On Thursday, at least 200 people held a vigil outside the government headquarters denouncing the attack and calling for press freedom to be protected.

Journalist groups have organised a protest on Sunday against the violence.

Thousands had demonstrated the previous Sunday over fears that Hong Kong's press freedom was under threat.