Media industry is as vibrant as ever, says govt

The SAR government on Wednesday strongly condemned a statement issued by an overseas coalition over the press freedom situation in Hong Kong, calling it “totally erroneous”.

Earlier this week, 22 member countries of the Media Freedom Coalition accused Hong Kong authorities of targeting and suppressing independent media in the city since the enactment of the national security law, citing the police raid of Stand News late last year and the arrests of its staff.

In response, the SAR government said it has been firmly committed to safeguarding the freedoms of the press and speech since the handover.

“We must reiterate that all law enforcement actions taken by Hong Kong law enforcement agencies under the Hong Kong national security law, or indeed any local legislation, are based on evidence, strictly according to the law and for the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their occupation, background or political stance. The law enforcement actions taken by the HKSAR government against Stand News adhered to such fundamental principles,” a government spokesman said.

Officials said the media landscape in Hong Kong is “as vibrant as ever,” citing an increase in the number of media organisations registered with the government since the security law was enacted.