Statement: HKFP condemns harassment of Hong Kong’s independent press, reports intimidation of staff to police
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong Free Press condemns the recent surge in online and offline harassment of independent media in Hong Kong, including against HKFP’s director.
Last week, the director’s landlord and local property agencies were sent anonymous letters containing defamatory claims, falsities and threats of “unimaginable consequences” and “collateral damage” unless he was evicted from the property and district. Whilst the agencies and landlord ignored the threats, HKFP Director Tom Grundy reported the incident to the police on Saturday.
As always, our newspaper immediately submits evidence of any harassment to the authorities and we urge the Force to thoroughly investigate. The local journalists association reported a spate of similar, often more serious, cases to the authorities this week, some of which have been ongoing for months, and involve outlets such as InMedia and HK Feature. Some cases involve the misuse of personal data.
We have made police reports three times in recent years over harassment and intimidation, and continue to cooperate with law enforcement bodies, press freedom NGOs and tech firms to identify the perpetrators.
Our team’s determination to report the news and continue our mission are never affected by acts of harassment.
