Three Hong Kong press freedom advocates sentenced to prison in landmark case

Three prominent Hong Kong press freedom advocates were sentenced to prison on 19 November 2024; This marks a grim development in the ongoing crackdown under Hong Kong rule. National Security Law.

Media founder Frankie Fung was sentenced to four years and five months, former journalist Gwyneth Ho was sentenced to seven years, and former legislator and journalist Claudia Mo was sentenced to four years and two months.

The case, part of a lawsuit against 47 pro-democracy activists, represents the largest case of its kind since the enactment of the sweeping National Security Act in 2020.

The three were convicted on charges including “conspiracy to subvert” and “subversion,” laws widely criticized for suppressing dissent and freedom of the press.

The defendants have been detained since February 2021. Their detention underscores a broader crackdown on press freedom in Hong Kong, once a vibrant media hub.

Gwyneth Ho, a former journalist who worked for the now-shuttered Stand News, previously faced a six-month prison sentence for attending the Tiananmen Square commemoration.

Frankie Fung co-founded DB Channel, an independent channel that was forced to close due to pressure.

Known for her work with global outlets such as Agence France-Presse and Radio Television Hong Kong, Claudia Mo was also a prominent legislator defending press freedom.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Asia-Pacific Bureau Director Cédric Alviani condemned the penalties in a statement, calling them a clear indication that the Hong Kong government disdains the public’s right to information. He called on the international community to pressure Hong Kong and Beijing for the immediate release of these prisoners.

Since the enactment of the National Security Law, Hong Kong authorities have relentlessly targeted journalists and press advocates.

According to RSFCases have been filed against at least 28 media-related people and 11 of them are currently in prison. High-profile detainees include the organization’s founder, Jimmy Lai. Apple DailyA person who faces a potential life sentence in an ongoing case.

The effects of this crackdown are evident in Hong Kong’s dramatic decline in the RSF World Press Freedom Index, ranking 135th in 2024, compared to 18th two decades ago. China, which controls Hong Kong’s politics, ranks 172nd out of 180 countries surveyed and is the world’s largest prisoner of journalists.

The fallout from this case underscores the extent to which the National Security Law has reshaped Hong Kong’s political and media landscape. It also shows the erosion of the “one country, two systems” framework intended to preserve freedoms in the region after the return of Chinese rule.

The sentences sparked widespread criticism internationally. Press freedom organizations and rights groups have repeatedly called on global governments to take action against the degradation of democratic rights in Hong Kong. These calls are expected to intensify as legal struggles for other detained journalists continue. Jimmy Laito continue.

As the decisions reverberate around the world, Hong Kong’s press freedom, once a hallmark of its identity, faces an uncertain future in the shadow of Beijing’s influence.