A well-known Hong Kong journalist has begun serving a five-day jail term after his appeal was rejected in a case that has heightened worries about the territory’s shrinking press freedoms.
Ronson Chan, who previously served as chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, lost his appeal Friday and was immediately ordered to prison following his conviction for obstructing a police officer.
The territory was previously considered a stronghold for media freedom throughout Asia, but numerous news organizations have been shuttered, multiple journalists detained, and those continuing their work face increasingly restricted conditions since officials launched a crackdown on activist movements after the large-scale pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019.
Chan was taken into custody in September 2022 while heading to cover a story. Authorities alleged he refused to present his identification card when requested by a plainclothes officer.
A trial court imposed the five-day sentence in 2023, determining that Chan had not produced his identity card promptly and continued questioning the officer in a “reckless” manner. He challenged the ruling and was released on bail pending appeal.
Deputy High Court Judge Lily Wong confirmed both Chan’s conviction and sentence Friday, directing that he be taken into custody immediately.
Before the court session, Chan, dressed in a black shirt bearing the phrase “Free Press,” spoke with reporters about feeling troubled and conflicted. He explained his decision to remain in Hong Kong to continue his journalism work, citing press freedom guarantees in the territory’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law.
“If I end up losing today, I feel it would be quite a big irony for me personally,” he said.
During the post-2019 protest crackdown, two outspoken Hong Kong news organizations — Apple Daily and Stand News — were compelled to cease operations in 2021.
Two former senior editors from Stand News were found guilty of conspiracy to publish and distribute seditious materials in 2024. One received a 21-month prison term.
In February, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai was given a 20-year sentence after being convicted of conspiracy to collaborate with foreign entities and conspiring to publish seditious content. Six additional newspaper employees, also convicted under national security legislation like Lai, received sentences ranging from six years and nine months to 10 years.
Throughout other newsrooms, reporters encounter increasing restrictions and growing self-censorship. The decline in press freedom mirrors a wider reduction of Western-style civil rights in the former British territory, which was returned to Chinese control in 1997.
Hong Kong officials maintain that security legislation is essential for the territory’s stability.
The territory placed 140th among 180 nations and territories in the most recent World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders.
