Editors of Stand News Convicted Amid Media Crackdown

A Hong Kong court found two editors of the defunct Stand News guilty of publishing seditious articles. The case has attracted international scrutiny. Editors Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam face up to two years in jail. This marks the first sedition conviction of journalists in Hong Kong since 1997.

A Hong Kong court on Thursday convicted two editors of the now-defunct Stand News media outlet for conspiring to publish seditious articles, drawing international scrutiny amid a security crackdown in the China-ruled city. Editors Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam potentially face maximum jail terms of two years. This conviction marks the first sedition judgment against journalists or editors in Hong Kong since its 1997 handover from Britain to China.

Critics, including the U.S. government, argue this case exemplifies the erosion of media freedom under the prolonged national security crackdown. Stand News, which was a leading online media platform in Hong Kong, was raided by police in December 2021, leading to asset freezes and eventual closure.

Chung, 54, Lam, 36, and Stand News's parent company Best Pencil (Hong Kong) Ltd were all charged with conspiracy to publish seditious publications tied to 17 articles and commentaries from July 2020 to December 2021. While Chung pleaded not guilty and was present in court, Lam's absence during the verdict was unexplained. District Court Judge Kwok Wai-kin stated in a judgement summary that the court's decision on seditious intent took into account the potential national security risks at the time.

(With inputs from agencies.)