Hong Kong Journalists Face Unprecedented Harassment, Calls for Action

Dozens of journalists and their families in Hong Kong have faced severe harassment over the past three months. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) reported threats and defamatory content aimed at damaging press freedom. The incidents involved anonymous complaints, violent threats, and online abuse, prompting calls for action.

In an alarming development, dozens of journalists and their families in Hong Kong have been subjected to harassment and intimidation both online and in person over the last three months, according to a report by the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) on Friday.

Selina Cheng, chairperson of HKJA, stated that the harassment campaign, which began in June, represents the largest-scale attack on Hong Kong reporters in recent memory. Cheng emphasized that the threats and dissemination of false and defamatory content are a severe blow to press freedom and should not be tolerated.

The harassment targeted more than a dozen media outlets, including Hong Kong Free Press, Inmediahk, HK Feature, and two journalism education institutions. At least 15 journalists, along with their families and associates, received anonymous complaints from individuals posing as 'patriots.'

(With inputs from agencies.)