Veteran Hong Kong journalist Allan Au has been placed on leave from his teaching position at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) following the ruling that four of his op-eds for the now-shuttered independent media outlet Stand News were deemed “seditious” in a landmark trial. This decision comes five days after the controversial verdict was delivered, marking a significant development in the ongoing crackdown on dissenting voices in the city.
Allan Au, a well-respected figure in Hong Kong’s journalism scene, was scheduled to teach three courses at CUHK’s School of Journalism and Communication for the upcoming semester. However, his status has now been updated to “on leave” on the school’s website, raising questions about the future of his academic career amidst the increasing pressure on media professionals in the region.
Au’s absence from his teaching duties has raised concerns among students and faculty members at CUHK, as his expertise and experience are highly valued within the journalism community. The sudden decision to place him on leave has sparked discussions about academic freedom and the implications of such actions on the university’s commitment to fostering independent thought and critical inquiry.
As news of Au’s leave spread, online records of the university’s teaching schedule revealed that his courses had been reassigned to other faculty members. The changes in staffing for the “Introduction to Journalism” and “Broadcast Journalism” courses, previously assigned to Au, indicate a significant disruption in the academic planning for the upcoming semester.
In response to inquiries about Au’s leave, CUHK cited “personal reasons” as the rationale behind the decision. However, the timing of his absence following the sedition ruling raises questions about the potential political motives behind the university’s actions. The lack of transparency surrounding the circumstances of Au’s leave has further fueled speculation about the extent of government influence on academic institutions in Hong Kong.
Allan Au’s contributions to the field of journalism in Hong Kong are well-documented, with a career spanning nearly three decades in various media outlets. His arrest in April 2022 on allegations of conspiring to publish seditious materials marked a turning point in his professional life, leading to a series of legal battles and public scrutiny over his outspoken views on government policies.
The recent verdict in the Stand News case, which found the outlet’s parent company and former editors guilty of sedition, has sent shockwaves through the media industry in Hong Kong. The ruling, the first of its kind since the city’s handover to Chinese rule in 1997, has raised concerns about the erosion of press freedom and freedom of expression in the region.
Judge Kwok Wai-kin’s decision to classify 11 articles published by Stand News as seditious has set a dangerous precedent for journalists and media professionals operating in an increasingly restrictive environment. The inclusion of Au’s op-eds in the list of “seditious” content has sparked outrage among his supporters and colleagues, who view the ruling as an attack on independent journalism and critical thought.
The implications of Au’s leave from CUHK go beyond the academic realm, as they reflect a broader trend of silencing dissenting voices in Hong Kong. The erosion of press freedom and academic autonomy poses a significant threat to the city’s democratic values and intellectual diversity, raising concerns about the future of independent journalism in the region.
Despite the challenges and obstacles facing journalists like Allan Au, the resilience and determination of Hong Kong’s media professionals remain unwavering. The fight for press freedom and freedom of expression continues, as journalists, academics, and advocates work tirelessly to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights in the face of mounting pressure and censorship.