Veteran HK Journalist Arrested For 'Seditious' Reports

Hong Kong veteran journalist Allan Au was arrested by national security police on Monday morning, April 11, 2022, local media reported. A source close to the matter confirmed the arrest with Candice Chau of the Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP).

Photo Insert: Allan Au exits Kwai Chung Police Station

Now News, iCable and Sing Tao cited sources saying that Au was arrested for allegedly conspiring to publish seditious materials under colonial-era anti-sedition legislation. The former two outlets reported that Au’s arrest was linked with the Stand News case.

The 54-year-old journalist, who worked as a senior producer at TVB News and a radio host on RTHK, was also a columnist for outlets including Stand News and Ming Pao. Au was fired from RTHK in June last year amid a government-directed editorial overhaul.

As a Chinese University professional consultant at the School of Journalism, he specialized in “media censorship and self-censorship,” according to the university’s website. He also amassed a host of journalism awards since 1997.

When asked for a reaction by reporters following an event on Monday morning, Hong Kong leadership hopeful John Lee said that the Basic Law protects freedom of press and speech: “There has not been a change in its wording.”

Lee said that as long as people are staying within “the legal framework,” their freedoms will be “sufficiently guaranteed.”

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic