Journalists are under threat, news is censored, intimidation is widespread. The much respected editor of the radical Ming Pao newspaper was removed from his post after his paper investigated the off-shore holdings of the Beijing leadership. Last month he was attacked in the street by a chopper-wielding assassin and left fighting for his life. He may never walk again.

Apple Daily, owned by the fearless Jimmy Lai, was also attacked by arsonist thugs who burned 20,000 copies and threatened staff. Banks have been ordered not to advertise in newspapers which criticise the government.

This petition calls on Chief Executive C.Y.Leung to defend his city's values, and the people who endeavour to uphold them. It asks any journalist who has worked in Hong Kong, and all those who value freedom of speech and freedom from feat to sign. Thank you