Hong Kong: HKFP journalists report stalking and intimidation

Several Hong Kong journalists have reported incidents of stalking and harassment in late March from unidentified persons, including a court reporter for Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) and a number of media workers covering the ongoing Stand News trial. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) urges the Hong Kong authorities to conduct a swift and transparent investigation into the incidents and ensure journalists and media workers can conduct their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment.

Caption: Demonstrators hold placards protesting the deterioration of press freedom in Hong Kong in the United Kingdom in 2022. Credit: Tolga Akmen / AFP

On March 22, an HKFP court reporter alleged she was followed by two unidentified persons from her home to her workplace. The two persons tailed the reporter for over an hour through rush hour transit, despite her efforts to board and exit multiple trains. When confronted by other HKFP staff, both men refused to answer questions and left quickly thereafter.

The incident was condemned by journalists, press freedom groups, media stakeholders, and the HKFP, with an editor’s note published on March 24 stating that “HKFP management reserves the right to publish full, candid videos of any individual who harasses or surveils staff members – all such incidents will be reported to the authorities.” Police were notified of the incident on March 23, with investigations ongoing.  

In a separate instance of harassment, two unidentified men attempted to follow several members of the press after their coverage of the ongoing Stand News trial on March 21. According to HKFP, the two men stood outside the press room at Hong Kong’s District Court after showing their identification to court security, with one man waiting for over an hour in an attempt to tail journalists.

Several journalists have voiced their suspicions that the two unidentified individuals were undercover police officers due to their appearance, behaviour, interactions with court security, and the wearing of earpieces. In a statement, Hong Kong Police expressed ‘deep regret’ over the alleged ‘speculations’ but have not released details of any investigations into the incident.

The IFJ said: “Journalists and media workers should not have to operate with the fear of being pursued, and these incidents will further contribute to the culture of fear felt by journalists in Hong Kong amidst the deteriorating environment for press freedom in the city. The IFJ calls on the Hong Kong authorities to conduct a swift investigation into the reports of stalking and ensure that all media workers can conduct their work free from harassment and intimidation as guaranteed under Hong Kong’s Basic Law.”