Biologists from HKBU uncover two new windowpane shell species in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the environment for press freedom has drastically deteriorated over the past few years, particularly after the implementation of the national security law in 2020. The law has been criticized for infringing on civil liberties and allowing for the prosecution of journalists and activists under vague accusations related to national security, such as collusion and sedition. Yaqiu Wang from Freedom House describes high-profile trials of journalists, including that of Jimmy Lai, founder of the Apple Daily newspaper, as evidence of this decline. Lai has faced serious charges, including collusion with foreign forces, which many argue are politically motivated. The absence of fair trials and the closure of prominent media outlets only exacerbates concerns about free speech in the region. In a disturbing trend, a new law, Article 23, was enacted in March that expands national security measures, permitting trials to occur behind closed doors and broadening the definition of conduct that can be interpreted as a threat to state security. This has led to a chilling effect on journalism and civil society in Hong Kong, as many fear legal repercussions for reporting on sensitive topics. Analysts emphasize that the current situation marks a significant departure from Hong Kong's previous status as a beacon of media freedom in Asia. The decline in press freedom is further exemplified by a notable drop in Hong Kong's ranking on the Global Press Freedom Index, decreasing from 73rd place to 135th between 2019 and 2024. Researchers and activists argue that this decline distinctly alters the identity of Hong Kong, undermining the values of freedom and democracy cherished by its citizens. The events surrounding the trials and the challenges faced by journalists and pro-democracy activists signal a shift towards repression and a systematic dismantling of Hong Kong's once vibrant media landscape. Experts warn that these ongoing developments could irrevocably change the social and political fabric of Hong Kong, as public dissent is stifled and independent voices are silenced. Observers are calling for greater awareness of these issues and encouraging an international dialogue on the protection of press freedom and human rights in Hong Kong, emphasizing the need for urgent actions to restore the city’s civil liberties.