A rights group has urged the government to immediately repeal the emergency ordinance aimed at tackling "fake news" as it may lead to the arbitrary detention of individuals alleged to have spread disinformation.

The group, Article 19, pointed out that the ordinance criminalising "fake news" allows officers to act with impunity against alleged offenders.

Article 19 is a human rights organisation founded in 1987 with a specific mandate and focus on the defence and promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of information worldwide.

Based in London, it works in partnership with nearly...