Hong Kong journalist arrested on sedition charge
Authorities detain media founder over Prince Edward station clash video, as press freedom groups voice concern.
On Wednesday, Hong Kong police arrested an independent journalist and an activist for alleged seditious activity, according to local media. The pair was identified as 37-year-old journalist Tang Ho-wing and 58-year-old activist Lee Ying-chi. They were detained under Hong Kong's homegrown national security laws, which were enacted in 2024 following legislation imposed by Beijing following the 2019 protests.
Police claimed the suspects were involved in seditious intent, while local media reported the pair as Tang Ho-wing and Lee Ying-chi. The arrests followed an incident on August 31 outside Prince Edward metro station, during which several people were seen holding bouquets and shouting seditious slogans. Six others were arrested earlier this month and released on bail.
If convicted, Tang and Lee could face up to seven years in prison. The HKJA press union warned that such arrests could set a dangerous precedent for frontline reporters covering public events. Human rights organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, condemned the arrests as part of the criminalization of journalism in Hong Kong.
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