Rapid Decline On World Press Freedom Index

Hong Kong's Press Freedom in Decline

Rapid Decline on World Press Freedom Index

Hong Kong's ranking on the World Press Freedom Index has rapidly declined since the national security law.

A major factor behind the decline is the introduction of Article 23 this year.

The survey, conducted by the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), found that 250 journalists rated the city's press freedom at 25 out of 100, with 100 being a perfect score.

Survey Findings

• Net satisfaction with press freedom in Hong Kong stood at negative 8 per cent.
• 13 per cent of people said they felt press freedom had improved in the past year.
• 82 per cent of journalists said they had experienced some form of interference in their work.

Causes of Decline

The HKJA said the decline in press freedom was due to a number of factors, including:

• The introduction of Article 23, which criminalizes acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces.
• The arrest and detention of several prominent pro-democracy journalists.
• The closure of pro-democracy media outlets.

Concerns for the Future

The HKJA expressed concern that the decline in press freedom could have a negative impact on Hong Kong's democracy.

"A free press is essential for a healthy democracy," the HKJA said. "We urge the government to respect press freedom and to protect journalists from intimidation and harassment."

The HKJA's findings are consistent with other reports that have documented the decline in press freedom in Hong Kong.

In its annual report on Hong Kong, the US State Department said that "the deterioration of press freedom in Hong Kong accelerated in 2021."

The report cited the arrest and detention of several journalists, the closure of pro-democracy media outlets, and the introduction of Article 23 as evidence of the decline.

Conclusion

The decline in press freedom in Hong Kong is a serious threat to the city's democracy.

The government must respect press freedom and protect journalists from intimidation and harassment.