Press freedom in Hong Kong took a blow this year, falling four points in Reporters Without Borders’ annual report.
The World Press Freedom Index measures “the freedom to produce and circulate accurate news and information.”
[Mak Yin-ting, Chairwoman of Hong Kong Journalist Association]:
“The deterioration of press freedom is very serious now. It has reached a critical point. It’s a significant time now to determine if Hong Kong is an independent place or if it’s turning into a place like mainland China’s lack of freedom.”
The former British colony enjoys a high level of freedom normally not found in the Mainland. But with a recently elected leader who is closer to the Chinese regime, some are worried this could change.
[Hu Liyun, Asia-Pacific Region Project Manager, International Federation of Journalists]:
“When mainland Chinese officials come to Hong Kong, they get very official receptions. Also, the way Hong Kong police treat demonstrators is very similar to police in mainland China. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.”
China ranked at the bottom of Reporters without Borders’ annual index with a score of 173 out of 179 countries. Hong Kong is currently 58th.
Mak Yin-ting says Hong Kong’s lowered score is due to censoring around certain political events. She cited an incident of a reporter and cameraman who were attacked during a Hong Kong rally.
- NTD News
