Women Press Freedom is profoundly disturbed by the recent sentencing of veteran journalist Claudia Mo, who was unjustly sentenced to four years and two months in prison. We vehemently condemn this dreadful sentencing of a dedicated journalist and vehemently demand that the authorities in Hong Kong immediately rescind this decision and release Mo from her unjust incarceration.
In August 2022, Mo—who held a notable position as a prominent lawmaker—was coerced into pleading guilty to “conspiracy to commit subversion” charges, a consequence of Beijing’s oppressive national security law. This sentencing forms part of a larger crackdown on dissent, affecting 46 others collectively known as the “Hong Kong 47,” who were all charged in 2021 for their alleged involvement in conspiracy related to the primary elections held in 2020. Alarmingly, some of those arrested under these charges have already languished in jail for over three years.
Alongside Mo, Gwyneth Ho—a former reporter for the now-defunct news outlet Stand News—also faced a grave sentence of seven years in prison. Ho was convicted in May this year under the same repressive national security law. Such harsh sentences highlight the deteriorating state of press freedom in the region.
The situation for press freedom in Hong Kong has plunged to alarming levels, with journalists now facing unprecedented suppression from the authorities. The community of journalists is increasingly vulnerable to a range of severe threats and abuses of the legal framework. Legal harassment and intimidation of journalists have become disturbingly commonplace. Illustrating this crisis, in September 2024, Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association and a former reporter for the Wall Street Journal, received anonymous threats through both online channels and traditional mail, highlighting the escalating risks faced by journalists. From January 2019 to July 2024, WPF has meticulously documented at least 31 cases of threats that have specifically targeted women journalists in Hong Kong, underscoring the particular vulnerabilities faced by female reporters within this oppressive environment.
We urgently demand that authorities in the region stop weaponizing the law against journalists and taking measures that undermine the essential principle of press freedom. Furthermore, we call for their immediate release and assert their right to work freely without any fear of retaliation or persecution.
How does Claudia Mo’s sentencing reflect the current state of press freedom in Hong Kong?
**Interview with Sarah Chen, Advocacy Director at Women Press Freedom**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Sarah. The sentencing of Claudia Mo has caused quite a stir. Can you tell us more about why this case is significant for press freedom?
**Sarah Chen:** Thank you for having me. Claudia Mo’s sentencing is not just about one individual; it symbolizes the ongoing repression of free speech and press freedom in Hong Kong under Beijing’s national security law. Mo was a prominent journalist and lawmaker who played a crucial role in advocating for democracy and dissenting voices. Her unjust imprisonment sends a chilling message to all journalists and activists in the region.
**Editor:** You mentioned the broader implications of her case. What does this mean for other journalists and dissidents in Hong Kong?
**Sarah Chen:** Mo is part of the larger group known as the “Hong Kong 47,” who have been charged with similar offenses. This is a systematic crackdown on dissent, targeting anyone who challenges the government’s narrative. Many of these individuals have already faced years of imprisonment without a fair trial. The chilling effect on press freedom is evident as journalists may feel compelled to censor themselves to avoid similar repercussions.
**Editor:** What actions are you advocating for in response to this sentencing?
**Sarah Chen:** We are calling for the immediate revocation of Mo’s sentence and her release. Moreover, we demand that the Hong Kong authorities cease their attacks on free press and political dissent. This is about protecting the fundamental rights of all individuals to speak their truths without fear of persecution. We urge international bodies and human rights organizations to apply pressure on Hong Kong and Beijing to respect human rights.
**Editor:** How can the global community assist in this crisis?
**Sarah Chen:** The global community can amplify the voices of those oppressed, support independent journalism, and put diplomatic pressure on China. We must keep these issues in the public eye, advocate for sanctions against those responsible for these injustices, and support organizations that work on the ground in Hong Kong to protect journalists and activists.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Sarah. Your advocacy work is vital in these challenging times for press freedom.
**Sarah Chen:** Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to stand up for those whose voices are silenced.