Can free press in Hong Kong survive the national security law?

Journalists in Hong Kong are worried that new legal measures in the city would limit the scope of independent reporting as authorities vow to “vigorously implement” Beijing’s new security law.

by William Yang, DW editor

Just days after Beijing passed the contentious national security law for Hong Kong at the end of June, activists said there were already signs that freedom of expression in the city is under threat. Hong Kong authorities said that chanting the “Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times” slogan is tantamount to the subversion of state power. A day later, the government filed terrorism charges against a 23-year-old biker who used the now-banned slogan.

The government of the semi-autonomous Chinese territory said it would “vigorously implement” the controversial security law. The new legislation targets what authorities in mainland China define as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. Those violating the law could face up to life in prison. “I forewarn those radicals not to attempt to violate this law, or cross the red line, because the consequences of breaching this law are very serious,” Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam told a press conference.

The new law has drawn international condemnation for jeopardizing Hong Kong’s civil liberties enshrined under the “one coun try, two systems” framework, including the freedom of speech and assembly. According to Chris Yeung, chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, the national security law poses a direct threat to journalists and media organizations because any prodemocracy report could be deemed a crim inal offense. “Hong Kong journalists dealing with politically sensitive stories could face charges under the new law,” Yeung told DW.

Foreign media organizations not spared by the new law

Demonstrators wield umbrellas during a protest in Hong Kong in 2019

© picture alliance/Pacific Press Agency/S. Sharpe

The law empowers Hong Kong authorities to “strengthen the management” of foreign media outlets, NGOs and other international organizations. Eric Cheung, a lecturer at the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Law, told DW that Article 38 of the law allows Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to monitor the conduct of Hong Kong’s expat community as well. According to the law, individuals working with foreign organizations will be penalized if they “provoke hatred among Hong Kong people towards the local or central governments.”

Yeung, however, believes the media freedom situation in Hong Kong is still better than in the mainland. But Kai Ong, a researcher at Amnesty International, told DW that Hong Kong journalists are concerned that the city government may replicate the Chinese model of restricting journalistic activities and force journalists to get accredited in order to report and gather information in the city. Others are less optimistic about the future of journalism in Hong Kong. “I think it will only get worse regardless of what we do,” a journalist shared. “However, I won’t give up journalism because I love Hong Kong. How can China criminalize someone’s love for their city?”