Suro Senen
A prominent conservative Christian NGO has issued a strong public critique of the Security Minister’s recent broadside against a local press union, marking the second instance in a month where the organization has publicly challenged government actions. This unusual move by the Society for Truth and Light underscores escalating anxieties surrounding the erosion of press freedom and civic space in Hong Kong. The NGO’s intervention comes amidst a backdrop of increasing pressure on journalistic organizations and a wider crackdown on dissent following the implementation of the national security law.
Growing Scrutiny of Press Union Leadership Election
The controversy ignited when the Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, accused the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) of conducting a "black-box" leadership election. Tang’s remarks, made last week, specifically targeted the HKJA’s decision not to publicize the list of candidates prior to its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday. This practice, while not legally mandated to be public, has become a point of contention in the current political climate.
In response to Tang’s accusations, Choi Chi-sum, the general secretary of the Society for Truth and Light, took to Facebook to express his organization’s concerns. Choi stated that the HKJA, an organization dedicated to upholding press freedom, appeared to be "struggling to survive." He questioned the circumstances that led to the current situation, posing critical questions about the state of journalism and the media landscape in Hong Kong.
"When criticisms are raised claiming the HKJA is failing to mind its proper duties, we cannot help but ask: how did today’s situation come to be?" Choi wrote. He further probed whether the issue stemmed from a "deterioration in the quality of Hong Kong journalists" or a "continual degradation of Hong Kong’s media ecosystem." Choi also raised the possibility that "mainstream journalists are no longer willing to defend the profession, or are media bosses, to protect their ‘business,’ forbidding employees from taking up roles that might offend those in power?"
Choi, who identified himself as a former radio journalist of a decade, emphasized the gravity of the situation. "Those who shout loudest do not necessarily have reason on their side, and those who dare not speak up are not necessarily in the wrong!" he asserted. He concluded his statement with a stark warning: "When journalists can barely protect themselves, society itself enters a dangerous time."
The HKJA’s Rationale for Withholding Candidate Information
The HKJA has explained its decision to withhold candidate names as a direct consequence of sustained harassment campaigns in recent years. Selina Cheng, the chairperson of the HKJA, stated that this measure was implemented to protect potential candidates from undue pressure and intimidation. She also pointed out that Hong Kong union law explicitly forbids any union from rejecting the participation of freelance, temporary, or seasonal workers, implying that transparency regarding candidates could expose these individuals to risks.
The HKJA’s AGM on Saturday saw Selina Cheng re-elected as its chair. The association’s practice of not publicly listing candidates aligns with measures taken in the previous year, reflecting an ongoing strategy to navigate a challenging environment. While the HKJA does not have a legal obligation to disclose its officer candidates publicly, the government’s public criticism has amplified the scrutiny of its internal processes.
Coordinated Media Campaigns and Broader Context
Adding to the pressure on the HKJA, a report published by Lingua Sinica, an initiative by Taiwan-based China Media Project, highlighted what appeared to be a coordinated campaign in state-backed media outlets targeting the embattled press union. The report presented examples of articles seemingly designed to undermine the HKJA’s legitimacy and operations.
The Society for Truth and Light’s intervention is particularly noteworthy given its own public profile. The organization, often associated with conservative Christian values and known for its stance on LGBTQ+ issues, including its reported promotion of conversion therapy practices, has itself been a subject of public discussion. However, its recent criticisms of the government, especially regarding press freedom, represent a significant departure from its typical agenda and indicate a broader concern for civic liberties.
This marks the second time in a month that the Society for Truth and Light has publicly rebuked the government. Earlier in August, the NGO criticized the Hong Kong government’s refusal to release a list of banned books as an "abuse of power" that undermined the rule of law. This statement followed raids on two independent bookstores and the arrest of their staff under Hong Kong’s national security legislation. Choi Chi-sum articulated this concern in Chinese, stating, "Citizens should not have to live in fear simply for expressing personal opinions or possessing publications that haven’t been ruled illegal by the courts."
Support from the Foreign Correspondents’ Club
The HKJA’s situation has also drawn attention from international press organizations. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) in Hong Kong issued a statement on Friday condemning the harassment campaigns faced by the union. "The FCC condemns any harassment and trolling of journalists and strives to support journalists in carrying out their duties," the statement read. The FCC also emphasized the HKJA’s role as a non-profit organization advocating for press freedom and highlighted that "Freedom of the press and the right to form and join trade unions are enshrined in the Hong Kong Basic Law."
The Shrinking Space for Civil Society
The Society for Truth and Light’s public criticisms are especially significant in the context of the broader erosion of civil society organizations in Hong Kong. Since the imposition of the Beijing-enforced national security law in 2020, numerous independent groups, including many outspoken pro-democracy organizations, have disbanded or significantly scaled back their operations under the weight of new legislation and increased scrutiny. In this environment, the willingness of a conservative Christian group to publicly challenge government actions against a press union signals a potentially widening front of concern regarding the city’s freedoms.
The timeline of events leading to this situation highlights a pattern of increasing pressure on media and civil society:
- June 2020: The Beijing-imposed National Security Law is enacted in Hong Kong, leading to a significant crackdown on dissent and the disbandment of many civil society groups.
- Early 2024: Hong Kong authorities intensify efforts to promote and implement its own domestic security law, Article 23, further expanding the legal framework for national security.
- July 2026: Staff at two independent bookstores, Have a Nice Stay and Greenfield Bookstore, are arrested under the national security legislation, prompting criticism from various quarters.
- Early August 2026: The Society for Truth and Light criticizes the government’s refusal to release a list of banned books.
- Mid-August 2026: Secretary for Security Chris Tang accuses the HKJA of a "black-box" leadership election.
- Late August 2026: The HKJA holds its AGM, re-electing Selina Cheng as chair, and the Society for Truth and Light issues its critique of Tang’s remarks.
- Late August 2026: The Foreign Correspondents’ Club issues a statement condemning harassment of journalists.
The implications of these developments are far-reaching. The continued pressure on the HKJA, coupled with the broader trend of shrinking civic space, raises serious questions about the future of independent journalism and freedom of expression in Hong Kong. The government’s assertive stance, characterized by public criticism of journalistic bodies, suggests a deliberate strategy to shape the media narrative and potentially limit the scope of independent reporting. The rare interventions from organizations like the Society for Truth and Light, despite their differing ideological backgrounds, underscore the growing unease across various segments of society about the direction Hong Kong is heading. The city’s status as a vibrant international hub, once underpinned by robust freedoms, faces increasing challenges as these essential pillars appear to be systematically weakened.
Basiran
Azzam Bilal Chamdy
