Macau Concealers’ PJ logo post leads to detentions

The Public Prosecution Office (MP) temporarily released two members of the online publication Macau Concealers early yesterday, after they were accused of illegally using the emblem of the Judiciary Police (PJ).
The accusation was triggered by a Facebook post made by Macau Concealers, in which an image of a suspected staff permit card with the PJ symbol on it was placed in front of the civil referendum webpage.
The two were taken away by PJ officials two days ago and were detained at the PJ headquarters overnight. They were then taken to the MP before facing a judge.
The judge later decided to release the two, but has imposed restrictive measures on them. The vice-president of the New Macau Association, which owns Macau Concealers, told TDM that the authorities were selectively enforcing the law.
The Macau Journalists Association also released a statement after the publication members were taken away, saying that it had paid attention to, but deeply regretted, the actions of the PJ.
The association claimed that it is not the first time that photos of public servants’ staff permit cards have been circulated online, and the authorities have never given any warning before taking action. The association alleges that the PJ acted out of political considerations, and has impacted Macau’s freedom of press. PJ stated that it will continue to investigate the case.