HKFP has reported several new cases of harassment to the police and launched a new zero-tolerance policy.
Hong Kong police are investigating fake complaints made to the authorities relating to HKFP, as well as a threatening message sent to its previous company secretary.
In late 2024, a text message containing false claims about the newspaper was sent to the company’s secretarial firm demanding they “immediately review” cooperation with HKFP. Evidence was passed on to the police on Tuesday as part of an open investigation into harassment launched last November.
Also added to the investigation were details of a false complaint made to the government’s 1823 hotline at 2.15pm last December 12, which erroneously claimed HKFP’s fundraising hot sauce bore incorrect labelling and was produced at an unlicenced factory. Proof of correct labelling and licencing was provided to the Food and Environmental Health Department (FEHD) on the day they contacted HKFP, with the department closing the case on January 22.
HKFP placed 50 more bottles on sale in response to the incident. In all, the sale raised HK$22,450 in revenue.
It follows a similar case on August 7, when a false complaint was made to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) alleging that the dog owned by HKFP’s director lacked a licence and rabies jab. Proof of compliance was provided on the day the director was contacted, and the case was closed on October 17. Details of the false complaint were reported to the police at the time.
Last September, the HKFP director’s landlord and local property agencies were sent anonymous letters containing defamatory claims, falsities and threats of “unimaginable consequences” and “collateral damage” unless he was evicted from his property and the district. His rental contact was later renewed without incident and the matter was reported to the police.
When HKFP asked police for an update on the case, and whether they would condemn the harassment of journalists and their corporate partners, the Force said: “Police received the relevant report and investigation by the District Crime Squad of Wan Chai District is under way.”
New zero-tolerance policy
On Thursday, HKFP launched a new “zero tolerance” policy against smear campaigns, trolling, surveillance, defamation, doxxing, cyberattacks, false complaints to the authorities, impersonation, as well as threats or pressure aimed at third parties connected to the news outlet.
HKFP’s new anti-harassment policy – click to view.
- All cases – no matter their significance – will be reported to the police. HKFP will decide whether to open a new police report, or add the incident to a case on harassment opened in November 2024.
- All cases involving HKFP, or our corporate partners, will be logged and retained indefinitely as evidence.
- A summary of incidents from 2015 to the present day will appear in a public log on the HKFP website in spring, 2025, as part of our commitment to transparency. HKFP reserves the right to publish a news story or issue a public statement regarding any incidents.
- In cases of online harassment, all incidents will be reported directly to the relevant tech platforms, including via media backchannels where available.
- Evidence of all harassment will be passed onto local and international press freedom NGOs, as well as fellow news outlets in order to identify patterns and raise awareness.
- Cases may also be submitted to privately-hired investigators for forensic analysis.
- All cases involving the misuse of personal information will be reported to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, in addition to the police.
- HKFP maintains a legal defence fund and will take action through our lawyers against those believed to have breached the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200), Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486), Defamation Ordinance (Cap. 21), Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106), Copyright Ordinance (Cap. 528) or any other crimes or common law offences related to intimidation or harassment.
Under the new policy, all cases of harassment – no matter how significant or minor – will be reported to the police. Where relevant, other bodies such as the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and press freedom NGOs will be notified.
Evidence will be logged and retained indefinitely, with HKFP reserving the right to hire private investigators and use its legal defence fund to prosecute those believed to have breached the law. Meanwhile, a public log of incidents is set to be published this spring.
‘Systematic and organised’ harassment
Last September, reporters from at least 13 local media outlets said they had been harassed online and offline in what appeared to be a “systematic and organised attack,” according to the city’s largest press union.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) chairperson Selina Cheng said that dozens of journalists had received emails and letters with defamatory content to their home addresses, workplaces and other venues. Those targeted included staff from HKFP, InMedia, HK Feature, and members of the HKJA’s executive committee.
Fifteen journalists saw complaints sent to family members, landlords, employers and associated organisations. Some of the complaints threatened recipients that if they continued to associate with the journalists, they could be breaching national security laws.
Press freedom concerns
The intimidation campaign comes as Hong Kong continues to perform poorly in global press freedom rankings under the effect of the national security law.
Since Beijing imposed national security legislation in 2020, the city has seen the closure of news outlets including Apple Daily and Stand News, which shut after police raids and the arrest of top editors.
Authorities, however, have maintained that press freedom is “respected and protected” in Hong Kong.
