China’s Grip Tightens: Hong Kong’s Free Press on the Brink

The recent conviction of two leading journalists in Hong Kong, sentenced to a combined 35 months in prison under sedition charges, has cast a long shadow over press freedom in the city. This verdict, which relies on colonial-era sedition laws now repurposed under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, is emblematic of an intensified crackdown on dissent and journalism. It has serious implications for the free press as it discourages future generations of journalists to do investigative stories.

The media landscape has literally become unrecognisable. The Stand News verdict that came in two months ago, is not an isolated event but part of a broader campaign to suppress dissent and curtail the role of independent media by none other than the Chinese leadership.

Earlier, Journalists used to operate in a vibrant media ecosystem where political diversity and open criticism of government policies were not only tolerated but often celebrated as hallmarks of the city’s democratic values.

It is no longer the case now. According an article in the East Asia Forum, independent media outlets persist despite the verdict, publishing content on sensitive topics like the Umbrella Movement anniversary, but they operate in a grey area with no guaranteed protections. With harassment of journalists on the rise and financial challenges threatening independent media, maintaining journalistic integrity is a major challenge in Hong Kong. Francis LF Lee, Director and Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, Chinese University of Hong Kong who authored the article in East Asia Forum.

The challenges faced by journalists in Hong Kong are deeply intertwined with the National Security Law (NSL) imposed by Beijing in 2020. In June 2020, Beijing had imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong. Since then, authorities have arrested dozens of pro-democracy activists, lawmakers, and journalists; curbed voting rights; and limited freedoms of the press and speech. In March 2024, Hong Kong lawmakers passed Article 23, an additional security legislation that further cements China’s rule on the city’s rights and freedom.

The Stand News verdict exemplifies how the NSL has reshaped Hong Kong’s media landscape. By incorporating colonial-era sedition laws into national security measures, the government has blurred the lines between journalism and criminality, turning ordinary reporting into a potential offense under the NSL’s wide reach.

This linkage underscores the broader chilling effect of the NSL on Hong Kong’s press. Journalists, once confident in the city’s legal protections for free speech, now operate under the constant threat of prosecution—a stark reminder of how Beijing’s security framework has reshaped the city’s democratic principles.

For many journalists, the use of sedition charges against their peers represents a betrayal of the system they once trusted. Journalism, a profession rooted in truth-telling and holding power to account, has been redefined by the state as a potential threat to national security. The lines between legitimate reporting and sedition have been blurred, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

Francis Lf Lee said that the ruling against Stand News highlighted the arbitrary nature of these new red lines. Articles that criticized the government were deemed seditious for lacking sufficient factual support or failing to present pro-government perspectives. This reasoning undermined the essence of editorial independence, forcing journalists to second-guess their work and self-censor to avoid legal repercussions.

The Stand News case has exacerbated an already pervasive culture of self-censorship. According to Francis, the mainstream press has adopted a much more conservative approach when dealing with politically sensitive or legally risky materials. Self-censorship is also widespread in the society. There are times when the media ignores critical viewpoints not because the media are unwilling to cover them, but because media organisations find it difficult to get these viewpoints on record, especially when sensitive political or legal matters are concerned.

This erosion of press freedom does not only harm journalists but also the public they serve. When critical voices are silenced, society loses access to diverse perspectives and the ability to hold power accountable. The press becomes a mere extension of the state, disseminating propaganda rather than uncovering the truth.

The ripple effects of these developments extend beyond individual journalists to the industry as a whole. Independent media outlets, already struggling with financial sustainability and limited reach, now face an even steeper uphill battle. The threat of legal action hangs over their heads like a sword of Damocles, forcing them to operate in a perpetual state of caution.

For budding journalists, the Stand News verdict serves as a stark reminder that their profession is no longer protected by the principles of press freedom. The fear of incarceration will undoubtedly influence the type of stories they choose to pursue, limiting the scope and depth of investigative reporting.

This shift will have long-term consequences for the quality of journalism in Hong Kong. When young reporters avoid controversial topics or critical narratives, the media’s role as a watchdog is compromised. The public is left with a sanitized version of the truth, devoid of the hard-hitting stories that challenge power and provoke meaningful change.
Resilience Amid Adversity

Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Independent online media outlets continue to operate on the fringes, publishing stories that test the boundaries of permissible speech. Their resilience is a testament to the enduring spirit of journalistic integrity in the face of adversity.

These outlets, however, operate in a precarious environment. Financial constraints and the constant threat of harassment make their survival uncertain. The Hong Kong journalists association recently claimed that the members of their executive committee and dozens of other journalists and their families have been subject to various kinds of harassment since June 2024.

However, the Stand News case underscores the need for solidarity within the journalistic community. By supporting one another and advocating for press freedom, journalists can resist the erosion of their rights and keep the flame of independent reporting alive.