The Hong Kong Journalists Association reported that dozens of journalists, along with their family members and associates, were harassed over the summer, indicating a concerning trend of press freedom restrictions in the city. The attacks, which included anonymous complaints and threats related to national security, were described as organized and systematic. The introduction of a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 has led to the closure of critical news outlets like Apple Daily and Stand News, further exacerbating concerns over journalistic freedom. Despite the Hong Kong government’s insistence that factual reporting is not restricted, recent events, including the conviction of former editors in a sedition case, have raised alarm among media professionals and foreign governments. The deteriorating situation has also been reflected in the decline of Hong Kong’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index. The ongoing harassment and intimidation of journalists highlight the challenges faced by the media in Hong Kong, once known for its press freedom in Asia.
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