The national security police arrested at least six current or former directors and senior staff of Stand News early this morning (Dec. 29) on suspicion of “conspiracy to distribute seditious publications” and are now searching the offices of Stand News. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) is deeply concerned that the police have repeatedly arrested senior members of the media and searched the offices of news organizations containing large quantities of journalistic materials within a year. HKJA urges the government to protect press freedom in accordance with the Basic Law.

In addition, HKJA has learned that Ronson Chan Ron-sing, the deputy assignment editor of Stand News and the chairman of HKJA, was also taken away by the police this morning. We are investigating the incident and have no further comment at this time, but will announce any new information in due course.

Hong Kong Journalists Association
29 December 2021