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Stand News Editors Convicted of Sedition by Hong Kong Court, Marking Setback for Freedom of Press in Hong Kong

During the 2019 “Anti-Extradition” protests in Hong Kong, local media outlet Stand News featured extensive coverage of the events. On August 29 the Hong Kong District Court found the former and acting editors of the media outlet guilty of “conspiracy to publish seditious publications.” The judge delivered the verdict but postponed sentencing to September 26, allowing the defendants to be temporarily released on bail. This case marks the first time that senior members of a news organization in Hong Kong have been convicted of “sedition” since the city’s handover to China.

The Hong Kong Journalists Association condemned the ruling, stating that it represents a serious setback for freedom of the press.

In December 2021, Hong Kong’s National Security Department froze Stand News‘ assets, worth HKD 60 million (US$ 7.7 million), forcing the media outlet to cease operations.

Source: Radio Free Asia, August 29, 2024
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/gangtai/ec-hong-kong-court-sedition-conviction-08292024114316.html