Press freedom in Hong Kong
In a concerning development for press freedom, Hong Kong journalists from more than 15 media outlets have been subjected to a coordinated campaign of harassment and intimidation. This wave of attacks has sparked outrage among journalistic circles, signaling yet another ominous sign of deteriorating freedoms in the city. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) recently referred to this situation as a “systemic and organized attack,” targeting not only individual journalists but also their families, employers, and even landlords. This harassment, described as an attempt to stifle press freedom, has taken on multiple forms, ranging from death threats to defamatory letters, making the work of journalists more perilous than ever.
Widespread and Coordinated Harassment Across Multiple Outlets
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) has raised alarms over a disturbing new trend where journalists across the city are being targeted in a coordinated campaign. Over the summer months between June and August 2024, journalists working for more than a dozen local and international media outlets have faced an array of threats and intimidation tactics. These tactics are not limited to social media trolling or personal attacks online; instead, they encompass a wide spectrum of harassment, ranging from anonymous complaint letters to death threats. The HKJA chair, Selina Cheng, revealed that these acts were not random but carefully orchestrated and executed.
Selina Cheng stated at a press conference on September 13, 2024 that the association has observed a “severe wave of trolling and harassment.” Cheng added that the harassment comes in the form of emails, letters, and threats sent to journalists’ homes, employers, and even landlords, urging them to distance themselves from the targeted reporters. These letters often included defamatory claims and death threats, aimed at instilling fear and pressure, causing some journalists to consider abandoning their careers or union roles. For instance, one letter targeted a journalist’s landlord, falsely accusing them of breaching national security laws by renting property to a journalist.
What makes this campaign even more alarming is that it appears to be aimed not only at individual journalists but also at the journalistic community as a whole. According to the HKJA, the attacks seem designed to destabilize independent media as a collective force in Hong Kong. Both local outlets like Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) and InMedia have been targets of this coordinated harassment campaign.
Threatening Letters and Defamation: The Tools of Intimidation
The most common form of harassment came in the form of anonymous complaint letters. These letters, often signed by individuals purporting to be “patriots,” accused journalists of violating national security laws and engaging in activities harmful to Hong Kong’s stability. The messages, which were sent to reporters’ workplaces, home addresses, and even to landlords, contained defamatory claims and death threats. The anonymous writers warned of “unimaginable consequences” should the recipients continue associating with certain journalists or allow them to remain in their employ.
Selina Cheng reported that some smaller media organizations had received what resembled “ransom letters” — crudely written notes with menacing motifs designed to instill fear. The harassment also extended to online platforms, where personal information, including journalists’ home addresses, was leaked on platforms like Wikipedia. The widespread dissemination of such personal data has raised serious concerns about how the information was acquired in the first place, prompting the HKJA to demand an investigation into the matter.
Growing Pressure on the Media Under the National Security Law
This campaign against journalists must be viewed in the context of Hong Kong’s broader political landscape, particularly the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020. Since the law’s enactment, the government has ramped up its pressure on independent media, leading to the closure of prominent pro-democracy outlets such as Apple Daily and Stand News. Journalists and editors who have tried to challenge or report on government policies have faced prosecution, and several foreign reporters have been denied visas, effectively barring them from covering Hong Kong’s growing political turmoil.
The targeting of independent media outlets is not a new phenomenon. The closure of Apple Daily, which was known for its outspoken support for democracy and criticism of the Hong Kong government, was a major blow to press freedom in the region. Its founder, Jimmy Lai, was arrested and sentenced to prison under the National Security Law, further escalating fears among the journalistic community. The forced closure of Stand News followed a similar trajectory, with several of its top editors arrested in late 2021, and the outlet ceasing operations soon after.
In this tense atmosphere, Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP), another independent media outlet, has been one of the last standing. Yet, it too has faced significant pressure. In the latest round of harassment, HKFP’s director and editor-in-chief, Tom Grundy, reported receiving anonymous letters targeting his landlord and property management, demanding that he be evicted from his home or face “collateral damage”. This incident, which occurred in September 2024, marked the third time HKFP has filed police reports related to harassment and intimidation in recent years.
The Role of Technology in Facilitating Harassment
The role of technology in facilitating this harassment cannot be overlooked. The HKJA revealed that social media platforms such as Meta (formerly Facebook) and Wikimedia had been used to spread threatening content and personal information. Selina Cheng confirmed that the association had reached out to these platforms for assistance. Meta and the Wikimedia Foundation responded promptly by launching investigations into the incidents. In one case, the Wikimedia Foundation identified a user who had been posting personal information across multiple accounts and subsequently blocked the individual from the platform.
While the swift response from these platforms is encouraging, the root issue of how the personal information was obtained remains unresolved. The leak of home addresses, phone numbers, and other personal details has left many journalists feeling vulnerable and questioning their safety. The HKJA has expressed concern over the surveillance of journalists, hinting that the harassment may involve entities with access to sensitive information. Cheng emphasized that while journalists are prepared to face public scrutiny, the use of personal information to threaten their safety crosses a dangerous line that should not be tolerated.
International and Local Response to the Harassment
The international community has voiced its concerns regarding the escalating threats against Hong Kong journalists. Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have called for immediate investigations into the harassment and urged the Hong Kong authorities to uphold press freedom. In a statement published on Friday, September 13, 2024, HKFP condemned the attacks on independent media, stating that journalists must be allowed to work free from intimidation.
Within Hong Kong, journalists are rallying around one another, with many expressing solidarity through the Hong Kong Journalists Association. Selina Cheng reiterated the association’s commitment to protecting press freedom and emphasized the need for legal protections. The HKJA has not ruled out pursuing legal action against those responsible for the harassment and has reported multiple incidents to the Hong Kong police.
However, there is growing skepticism over the police’s ability — or willingness — to thoroughly investigate these incidents. Given the broader political crackdown on dissent and independent media, many journalists fear that authorities may turn a blind eye to the harassment or even tacitly endorse it as part of the broader efforts to suppress free speech in Hong Kong.
Timeline of Harassment Incidents
- June 2024: Journalists across Hong Kong begin receiving harassment letters and death threats. The HKJA observes an uptick in anonymous complaints targeting media professionals and their families.
- July 2024: Smaller media outlets, including InMedia and HK Feature, report receiving similarly worded letters resembling ransom notes.
- August 2024: Personal information of journalists is leaked on platforms like Wikipedia, raising concerns about the sources of these leaks.
- September 2024: Tom Grundy of Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) reports that his landlord received defamatory letters, marking the third police report filed by HKFP related to harassment in recent years.
- September 13, 2024: Selina Cheng holds a press conference detailing the scope and severity of the harassment, calling for legal action and condemning the attacks as a threat to press freedom.
Experts Weigh In on the Erosion of Press Freedom
Several experts have spoken out about the rising threats to press freedom in Hong Kong. David Kaye, a former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, noted that the harassment of journalists in Hong Kong is part of a broader pattern of repression. He emphasized that the international community must remain vigilant and apply pressure on both Hong Kong and Beijing to ensure that journalists can operate freely and without fear of reprisal.
Similarly, Rebecca Vincent, the Director of International Campaigns for Reporters Without Borders, pointed out that these coordinated attacks on journalists represent a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism. “These incidents signal a concerted effort to intimidate journalists and stifle independent reporting in Hong Kong,” Vincent stated. “It is imperative that we defend press freedom before it’s too late.”
Conclusion: The Battle for Press Freedom in Hong Kong
The recent wave of harassment against Hong Kong journalists marks a new chapter in the ongoing battle for press freedom in the city. While the National Security Law has already constrained media operations, the systematic intimidation of journalists represents a new and dangerous frontier in the suppression of free speech. The actions of organizations like the HKJA and HKFP in defending press freedom are critical in this environment, but they cannot fight alone. International solidarity, robust legal protections, and a vigilant public are essential in ensuring that the lights of free press and independent journalism are not extinguished in Hong Kong.
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FAQs:
- What is the current state of press freedom in Hong Kong?
- Since the implementation of the National Security Law, press freedom in Hong Kong has significantly declined. Several media outlets have been forced to close, and journalists face increasing harassment and intimidation.
- Who are the main targets of the harassment in Hong Kong?
- Journalists from both international and local media outlets, including Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) and InMedia, along with members of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), have been targets of these coordinated harassment campaigns.
- How has technology played a role in the harassment of journalists?
- Social media platforms such as Meta and Wikipedia have been used to spread false and defamatory information about journalists. Personal information, including home addresses, has been leaked, raising concerns about privacy and safety.
- What steps have been taken by media organizations to counter the harassment?
- Media organizations like HKJA and HKFP have reported these incidents to the police and reached out to platforms such as Meta and Wikimedia to launch investigations. Legal actions are being considered to protect press freedom.
- What role does the National Security Law play in the current press environment in Hong Kong?
- The National Security Law has been used as a tool to silence dissent and restrict press freedom, with journalists being arrested, prosecuted, and forced to shut down their operations under the guise of national security.
