Hong Kong newspaper to stop publishing drawings by prominent cartoonist after government complaints

By KANIS LEUNG
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — A Hong Kong newspaper will stop publishing drawings by the city’s most prominent political cartoonist after they drew government complaints. Chinese-language newspaper Ming Pao did not explain why it will stop publishing Wong Kei-kwan’s works in its announcement. Wong, better known by the pen name Zunzi, said the decision was made through mutual consultation. His cartoons have caricatured Hong Kong society’s frustrations since before the then-British colony was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The newspaper’s announcement has prompted concern on social media over the erosion of freedom of expression. Wong also says he feels such freedoms are shrinking. A government official says she cannot comment on decisions by individual organizations.