Hong Kong: Stand News Editors Sentenced in Sedition Case
Hong Kong: Stand News Editors Sentenced in Sedition Case
Two former editors of Stand News, an independent news outlet in Hong Kong, have been sentenced in a landmark sedition case. Chung Pui-kuen, the former editor-in-chief, received 21 months in prison, while Patrick Lam, the former acting editor-in-chief, had his sentence reduced due to ill health. The case is seen as a barometer for press freedom in Hong Kong, as Stand News was one of the last media outlets to voice criticism of authorities amid a crackdown from Beijing. The latest World Press Freedom Index ranks Hong Kong as 135th out of 180 territories, down from 80th place in 2021 and 18th place in 2002.