STATEMENT: The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong joins millions around the globe in celebrating World Press Freedom Day
Tuesday 3rd May – Today, on World Press Freedom Day, the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) joins millions around the world in reminding governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and the fight for its preservation. Hong Kong, now more than ever, needs the support of governments in salvaging its once-renowned free press.
The appalling oppression of journalists in Hong Kong continues as the Chinese Communist Party impose harsh crackdowns on media freedoms in the city. Over the last twelve months, five independent Hong Kong news outlets have ceased operations. Many journalists and press freedom defenders remain unjustly in custody awaiting trial for simply exercising their right to freedom of expression. Hong Kong’s leadership has undertaken oppressive tactics to gag the island’s independent press and silence those who speak out.
Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index puts Hong Kong 148th out of 180 countries, 68 places lower than last year and 94 places lower than a decade ago. Yet ironically, John Lee, front runner to be the next Chief Executive, has made the claim that press freedom is alive and well in Hong Kong.
The CFHK stands with journalists in Hong Kong who continue to fight for free press and calls for the immediate release of all those unjustly detained.
CFHK President, Mark L. Clifford, said:
“The censorship of journalists and media outlets has never been a more pressing issue. Those who disseminate truth are being silenced in order to propagate extreme or oppressive political agendas.
“Hong Kong is right at the very tip of the anti-democratic spear being wielded by authoritarian regimes across the world, and the bravery and sacrifices of those repelling it will be remembered, especially on World Press Freedom Day.
“The Chinese Communist Party continue to surveil, harass, and abuse journalists deemed to be opposing the regime. The international community must end this siege and help Hong Kong journalists regain their voice. An attack on free press is an attack on democracy and an attack against all freedoms.”
The appalling oppression of journalists in Hong Kong continues as the Chinese Communist Party impose harsh crackdowns on media freedoms in the city. Over the last twelve months, five independent Hong Kong news outlets have ceased operations. Many journalists and press freedom defenders remain unjustly in custody awaiting trial for simply exercising their right to freedom of expression. Hong Kong’s leadership has undertaken oppressive tactics to gag the island’s independent press and silence those who speak out.
Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index puts Hong Kong 148th out of 180 countries, 68 places lower than last year and 94 places lower than a decade ago. Yet ironically, John Lee, front runner to be the next Chief Executive, has made the claim that press freedom is alive and well in Hong Kong.
The CFHK stands with journalists in Hong Kong who continue to fight for free press and calls for the immediate release of all those unjustly detained.
CFHK President, Mark L. Clifford, said:
“The censorship of journalists and media outlets has never been a more pressing issue. Those who disseminate truth are being silenced in order to propagate extreme or oppressive political agendas.
“Hong Kong is right at the very tip of the anti-democratic spear being wielded by authoritarian regimes across the world, and the bravery and sacrifices of those repelling it will be remembered, especially on World Press Freedom Day.
“The Chinese Communist Party continue to surveil, harass, and abuse journalists deemed to be opposing the regime. The international community must end this siege and help Hong Kong journalists regain their voice. An attack on free press is an attack on democracy and an attack against all freedoms.”
About CFHK
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk