Hong Kong Journalists Face Intensified Harassment Amid National Security Crackdown

Journalists in Hong Kong are experiencing increased harassment both online and offline, with the Hong Kong Journalists Association reporting systematic attacks. The intimidation includes anonymous threats and defamatory content, raising concerns over press freedom and urging international action.

In the past three months, journalists and their families in Hong Kong have reported escalating harassment and intimidation under the national security law crackdown. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) announced that they observed 'systematic' and 'organized' attacks on journalists from June to August.

The press club reported that around 15 journalists, along with their family members, neighbors, and employers, faced harassment both online and offline. Selina Chenga, HKJA chairperson, said at a Friday press conference that this represents the largest intimidation case the association has ever recorded. 'This behavior is unacceptable; it undermines press freedom,' Chenga stated, denouncing the spread of false and defamatory content and death threats.

According to the HKJA, journalists from various media outlets have received anonymous threats via social media, email, and regular mail. The targeted individuals and organizations include two journalism education institutions and 13 media outlets, such as the HKJA's executive committee, Hong Kong Free Press, InMediaHK, and HK Feature.

The threats warned that associations with these entities could violate Hong Kong's national security laws, with some messages originating from Microsoft Outlook accounts. Social media posts displayed images of journalists and HKJA executives accompanied by knife, blood, and shooting target graphics.

Reporters Without Borders also condemned the attacks, urging global bodies to take action. 'We strongly condemn this harassment against independent media,' said Cedric Alviani, Director of Reporters Without Borders' Asia-Pacific Bureau. 'The international community must pressure the Chinese regime to restore press freedom in Hong Kong.'

Since the enactment of the National Security Law in June 2020, the Hong Kong government's crackdown has prosecuted at least 28 journalists, with 10 currently detained. Major independent media outlets Apple Daily and Stand News have been forcibly shut down, while smaller outlets have ceased operations due to a pervasive climate of fear.

(With inputs from agencies.)