Hong Kong: National Security Police Intimidate Reporter, Confiscate Travel Documents

The Hong Kong police force's national security unit has sparked outrage among press freedom advocates after searching a journalist's home and confiscating her travel documents, mobile phone, and computer. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), have demanded an explanation from the police for their actions.

On July 26, the police visited the temporary residence of a 56-year-old reporter for Secret China, a Chinese-language American media outlet, to seek an additional statement. The reporter was accompanied by a friend during the visit. Following the statement, police used a warrant to search the reporter's home, seizing her travel documents to prevent her from leaving Hong Kong and confiscating equipment without a lawyer present. The HKJA arranged for a lawyer to be present on July 27, and the reporter gave a statement "under caution" to the police.

The Hong Kong Free Press noted that the implementation rules for Article 43 of the national security law provide that police may only with a warrant confiscate travel documents belonging to a person under investigation over suspected violations of the security law. A report written by the Centre for Law and Democracy, supported by the IFJ, highlights further broad and intrusive powers given to the national security unit under the National Security Law, limiting the right to privacy and freedom of expression.

The HKJA said: "HKJA demands the police explain whether the reporter is indeed 'assisting an investigation,' and if so, why was her home searched and her travel documents confiscated?"

The IFJ said: "The repeated questioning, search, and confiscation of the journalist's property and travel documents through the powers given to police under the National Security Law demonstrate how authorities use the law to target and intimidate journalists. Despite police claiming the reporter is only assisting police, the actions of police by questioning her under caution and restricting her movement cannot be justified and criminalise freedom of expression."

The incident has raised serious concerns about the erosion of press freedom in Hong Kong, with the National Security Law being used to target and intimidate journalists. The IFJ and HKJA have called on the Hong Kong police to explain their actions and ensure that the rights of journalists are protected.

For further information, contact IFJ Asia - Pacific on [email address] or [phone number].