The former editor-in-chief of Stand News, Chung Pui-kuen, and his successor, Patrick Lam, have been convicted of sedition in Hong Kong. The convictions come amid increasing restrictions on the free press in the city as Beijing cracks down on pro-democracy voices.
In a chilling blow to Hong Kong's dwindling press freedom, the former editor-in-chief of Stand News, Chung Pui-kuen, and his successor, Patrick Lam, have been convicted of sedition. The convictions mark the latest in a series of crackdowns on pro-democracy voices in the city.
Hong Kong's Stand News Editors Convicted of Sedition as Beijing Restricts Free Press
Since the 2019 pro-democracy protests, Beijing has tightened its grip on Hong Kong, imposing a national security law that has criminalized dissent. The law has given the government sweeping powers to suppress opposition and restrict the free press.
Chung and Lam were arrested in December 2021 and charged with sedition. They were accused of publishing articles that incited hatred of the Hong Kong government. Chung and Lam denied the charges, arguing that they were simply exercising their right to free speech.
Hong Kong's Stand News Editors Convicted of Sedition as Beijing Restricts Free Press
However, in a trial that lasted several months, the court found both men guilty of sedition. Chung was sentenced to 26 months in prison, while Lam received a 14-month sentence.
The convictions have sent shockwaves through Hong Kong's media industry. Stand News, which was known for its critical coverage of the government, closed down shortly after Chung and Lam's arrests.
Hong Kong's Stand News Editors Convicted of Sedition as Beijing Restricts Free Press
"This is a dark day for press freedom in Hong Kong," said Shiu Ka-chun, the chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association. "The government is clearly trying to silence any voices that criticize it."
The convictions have also drawn international condemnation. The United States and the United Kingdom have expressed concern about the erosion of press freedom in Hong Kong.
"The arrest and prosecution of Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam are a blatant attempt to silence critical voices," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "We call on the Hong Kong authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression and to release all those who have been detained for exercising this fundamental right."
The convictions of Chung and Lam are a stark reminder of the challenges facing journalists in Hong Kong. The city's once-vibrant press freedom has been severely curtailed in recent years, and the situation is only likely to worsen in the future.
