In a significant blow to press freedom in Hong Kong, Chung Pui-kuen, the former editor-in-chief of Stand News, was sentenced to 21 months in prison, while Patrick Lam, the former acting editor-in-chief, received an 11-month sentence due to health issues. Both were convicted under a colonial-era sedition law, marking the first time journalists have been jailed under this law since Hong Kong's handover to China in 1997. The sentencing occurred on September 26, 2024, following a trial that lasted approximately 50 days, beginning in October 2022 [add4a2bf].
The case against the editors is closely tied to the broader crackdown on pro-democracy media in Hong Kong, which intensified after the 2019 protests against a controversial extradition bill. Stand News, a prominent outlet for independent journalism, was forced to close in December 2021 amid increasing pressure from authorities [add4a2bf].
Judge Kwok Wai-kin, who presided over the case, criticized the editors' journalistic integrity, underscoring the challenges faced by media professionals in the region. The Hong Kong Journalists Association has voiced concerns about the implications of these actions for free speech, emphasizing that such measures are detrimental to stability and democracy [add4a2bf].
In a related context, it has been reported that more than 7,000 out of 10,279 individuals arrested during Hong Kong's 2019 protests are still awaiting charges five years later. A District Court judge noted that delays in prosecution were a mitigating factor in sentencing for some offenders. Notably, two 14-year-old twins received six-month sentences, while two older offenders were jailed for three years [70424ffa].
Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee expressed hope for case resolution by February 2024, a timeline that has not materialized. Meanwhile, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung has rejected calls for deadlines on case resolutions, and Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok acknowledged that while suspects enjoy certain freedoms, many remain anxious about potential prosecutions. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the national security law, which mandates timely handling of offences, a requirement that remains unfulfilled [70424ffa].
Adding to the concerns surrounding the legal system, Mike Rowse, a long-time resident of Hong Kong, criticized the practice of keeping individuals on police bail for extended periods, sometimes up to five years. He argues that this practice is unreasonable and constitutes an abuse of power, as it carries stigma and restricts personal freedoms. Rowse advocates for a proposed amendment that would limit police bail to one year, emphasizing the importance of upholding common law principles that state individuals are innocent until proven guilty [dcaffc66].
Internationally, the sentencing of the Stand News editors has drawn condemnation from the United States and the European Union, who view it as an attack on media freedom. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has highlighted the alarming trend of self-censorship among journalists in Hong Kong, where the region now ranks 135 out of 180 in the press freedom index [add4a2bf].
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is urged to remain vigilant regarding the implications of these legal actions on journalistic integrity and the right to information, which are essential for a functioning democracy. RSF's advocacy for media freedom is crucial, as the organization relies on public support and donations to sustain its operations and fight for press freedom globally [add4a2bf].