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Former leader of Hong Kong journalist group sent to prison for obstructing police
The former Hong Kong Journalists Association chairman was convicted of obstructing a police officer after refusing to show his identity card.
- Deputy High Court Judge Lily Wong dismissed veteran journalist Ronson Chan's appeal on Friday, ordering him to begin a five-day prison sentence immediately for obstructing a police officer.
- Police arrested Chan in September 2022 while reporting at MacPherson Stadium in Mong Kok, alleging he acted "suspiciously" and remained "uncooperative" after refusing to show his identification card.
- Judge Wong concurred with the 2023 trial verdict that Chan "was reckless and obstructed other members of the public," though barrister Steven Kwan said they are considering seeking a final appeal.
- Before the hearing, Chan wore a black T-shirt printed with "Free Press," telling reporters he felt "uneasy and complex" because Hong Kong's Basic Law promises press freedom, making his conviction ironic.
- Hong Kong ranks 140th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index, as authorities maintain the media landscape "remained vibrant" despite national security laws implemented since 2020.
Insights by Ground AI
18 Articles
18 Articles
Former Hong Kong Journalists Association chairman Chan Long-sing began serving five days in jail on Friday (May 29) after the Hong Kong High Court rejected his appeal. The veteran journalist was arrested in September 2022 for "obstructing police officers in the execution of their duties" while conducting a press interview.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left7Leaning Right3Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
47% Left
L 47%
C 33%
R 20%
Factuality
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