Hong Kong Court Convicts Former Stand News Editors in Landmark Sedition Case

A Hong Kong court has convicted two former editors of Stand News in a sedition case, marking a crucial moment for media freedom in the city. The editors were charged with conspiracy to publish seditious content. This trial is the first of its kind since Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule.

A Hong Kong court has convicted two former editors of the now-defunct Stand News in a sedition case that has become a focal point for the future of media freedom in the city. The conviction comes amid a larger crackdown on dissent.

Chung Pui-kuen, former editor-in-chief, and Patrick Lam, former acting editor-in-chief, were arrested in 2021. They had pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to publish seditious material. This case marks the first media-related sedition trial in Hong Kong since its return to Chinese rule in 1997.

Stand News was among the last media entities openly critical of the government, especially following the 2019 pro-democracy protests. The offense carries a possible sentence of up to two years in prison and a fine under colonial-era sedition laws. Judge Kwok Wai-kin has yet to announce the sentencing.

(With inputs from agencies.)