Two Hong Kong Journalists Sentenced for Sedition: A Blow to Press Freedom
In a significant blow to press freedom, two journalists from a now-defunct Hong Kong news site, Stand News, were sentenced to prison for sedition. Chung Pui-Kuen, the former editor-in-chief, and Patrick Lam, the former acting editor-in-chief, were found guilty and fined last month for conspiring to publish and reproduce seditious articles. The sentencing marks a dark moment in the city’s history, as they are the first journalists to be sentenced for sedition in Hong Kong.
Chung, 54, and Lam, 36, had vehemently denied all charges against them since their offices were first raided in 2021. Despite their protests, they were handed down sentences of 21 and 11 months, respectively. Lam was immediately released on medical grounds due to time already served during the two-year trial. The case has been a long and arduous journey for both journalists, with more than 300 days spent in pretrial detention.
The landmark case revolved around 17 articles that featured stories on pro-democracy ex-lawmakers and commentary from pro-democracy activists. Prosecutors argued that the articles promoted “illegal ideologies,” turning the publication into both a political platform and news outlet. Judge Kwok Wai Kin deemed 11 of the published articles seditious, leading to the journalists’ convictions.
Reactions to the sentencing have been mixed, with Ronson Chan, a former editor at Stand News, expressing a bittersweet sentiment. He mentioned being happy that Lam could be released but expressed sorrow that Chung had to go back to jail. Chan highlighted Chung’s role in creating a liberal platform for journalists and staff at Stand News, emphasizing the importance of press freedom in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Journalist Association condemned the sentencing, stating that it exposes the “real risks” journalists face in the Special Administrative Region. The convictions and sentences of Chung and Lam reflect the ongoing decline of press freedom in Hong Kong, raising concerns about the dangers media workers encounter while performing their duties.
Aleksandra Bielakowska of Reporters Without Borders echoed these sentiments, calling the sentencing another nail in the coffin for press freedom in Hong Kong. She highlighted the deliberate targeting of independent media and journalists, emphasizing the chilling effect it has on the city’s media landscape. Bielakowska pointed out the fear instilled in remaining independent media outlets, who are wary of their safety in light of the crackdown on press freedom.
The ruling on Thursday marks the first sedition case against journalists in Hong Kong since the handover from Britain to China in 1997. Stand News was among the last remaining media outlets openly critical of the government, particularly regarding the Beijing-backed political crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2019. Following the crackdown, Beijing imposed a National Security Law with vague provisions, resulting in the arrests of numerous journalists and press freedom advocates.
The imposition of the National Security Law led to the closure of more than a dozen media outlets and the arrest of at least 28 journalists and press freedom advocates, with 10 remaining jailed. Hong Kong’s legislature further passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, imposing harsh sentences for seditious crimes, including collusion with foreign forces. The restrictions imposed on journalists impede their ability to report freely, hindering press freedom in the region.
The decline in press freedom in Hong Kong has been stark, with the city’s international press freedom ranking plummeting to 135th in 2024, from a high of 18 in 2002. Despite officials’ claims that press freedom remains intact, the public is increasingly aware of the truth behind the crackdown on independent media and journalists.
In conclusion, the sentencing of the two journalists for sedition represents a significant setback for press freedom in Hong Kong. The case highlights the challenges faced by journalists in the region and the deteriorating state of media freedom. As the city grapples with increasing restrictions on journalism, it is crucial to uphold the principles of press freedom and protect the rights of journalists to report without fear of reprisal.
