InMedia, an independent media outlet in Hong Kong, has been fined HK$10,000 for failing to maintain registers of its members and directors at its Wan Chai office. This penalty follows a report made to the Companies Registry on August 23, 2024, which led to charges under the Companies Ordinance. Damon Wong, the editor-in-chief of InMedia, pleaded guilty in Eastern Magistratesā Court on November 7, 2024 [65a2613a].
The financial struggles of InMedia have been significant, with the outlet reporting losses of HK$300,000 and no bonuses for its directors. This situation highlights the broader challenges faced by independent media in Hong Kong, where press freedom has been increasingly curtailed. The law mandates that companies keep significant controllers' registers, with fines for non-compliance reaching up to HK$25,000 [65a2613a].
This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating harassment against journalists in Hong Kong. Since June 2024, dozens of journalists and their families have reported harassment, with threats suggesting that continued association with journalists could endanger national security. Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, noted that anonymous complaints were sent to at least 15 journalists' families and employers [2fc3d444].
The Epoch Times recently announced it would cease printing its Hong Kong edition after 23 years, citing difficulties in securing a lease for its printing facility. This decision reflects the increasing challenges faced by media outlets in the region since the national security law was enacted [04e76432].
In a related context, the Wall Street Journal has called for sanctions against Hong Kong leaders following the convictions of journalists Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam for sedition, emphasizing the ongoing crisis of press freedom in the region [6bc9e979].
The Hong Kong government has defended its actions against media outlets, with Secretary for Security Chris Tang criticizing the WSJ's stance as 'fact-twisting.' He emphasized that no responsible government would tolerate disinformation, further illustrating the contentious environment for journalism in Hong Kong [6bc9e979].
As the situation for journalists in Hong Kong remains precarious, the recent firing of Selina Cheng from the WSJ after her election as chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association underscores the challenges faced by media professionals in a climate of increasing censorship and repression [dbfbdf58].
Moreover, Hong Kong's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted to 135 out of 180, a stark decline from its position of 80 in 2021. The closure of critical news outlets such as Apple Daily and Stand News further exemplifies the challenges faced by journalists in the region [2fc3d444].