Harassment of Hong Kong Journalists Sparks Concerns Over Press Freedom

Dozens of Hong Kong journalists have faced harassment, with threats directed at their family members and associates. The Hong Kong Journalists Association reported that drastic political changes and new security laws have created an increasingly restricted environment for the press. Authorities have yet to comment on these complaints.

Dozens of Hong Kong journalists, along with their family members and associates, have faced harassment in recent months, reports a leading media professional group.

Political changes have drastically restricted the environment for journalists in the semi-autonomous city, once seen as a beacon of press freedom in Asia.

Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, noted this at a press conference, describing the harassment as a systematic and organized campaign.

According to Cheng, anonymous complaints have been sent to at least 15 journalists' family members, their employers, landlords, and other related organizations since June. Cheng, herself a target, said the threats warned that associating with the journalists could endanger national security.

Online harassment included inflammatory posts and violent threats against journalists, damaging press freedom in Hong Kong, said Cheng. She clarified that there was no evidence linking the harassment directly to city authorities, though several incidents have been reported to the police and privacy commissioner.

Amid fears stoked by new security laws, Apple Daily and Stand News shut down following the arrests of senior management. The Hong Kong government claims there are no restrictions on press freedom for fact-based reporting. However, a recent sedition case against former editors of Stand News has intensified concerns over civil liberties.

Hong Kong's rank on the World Press Freedom Index has slipped to 135 out of 180, down from 80 in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies.)