Amidst the recent controversy surrounding the conviction of two editors in Hong Kong, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the UK emphasized that Hong Kong upholds the rule of law and protects freedom of press and speech while punishing criminals. The statements came in response to defense of the editors by UK officials, with one minister stressing that journalism is not a crime and urging Hong Kong to uphold press freedoms.
The US State Department and the European Union also voiced concerns over the convictions, calling it an attack on media freedom and a threat to Hong Kong’s reputation. However, a spokesman for the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong criticized the remarks as politically motivated, pointing out the anti-China stance of the media organization involved.
Professor Johannes Chan Man-mun highlighted the challenges the verdict presents for freedom of speech in Hong Kong, noting that the court’s interpretation may restrict critical commentary on government actions. The debate underscores the delicate balance between press freedom and legal limitations in the region.