The new national security legislation China is imposing on Hong Kong could be used against journalists operating in Asia’s main financial hub, which maintains distinct freedoms from the mainland, a global media watchdog group said.
Reporters Without Borders said Beijing’s move to bypass Hong Kong’s legislature and force new laws banning terrorism, secession, subversion and foreign interference could result in journalists facing the same type of intimidation and criminal prosecution that they encounter in mainland China.
"Such regulation would give the Chinese regime the means to harass and punish any journalist they dislike in Hong Kong with the appearance of legality,” said Cedric Alviani, the group’s East Asia director. "The vast majority of the 114 journalists currently detained in China are imprisoned under allegations of national security-related crimes.”