Fired Journalist in Hong Kong Alleges Dismissal Over Election Bid

The recent dismissal of reporter Selina Cheng from her job at The Wall Street Journal has raised concerns about press freedom in Hong Kong. Cheng, who was elected as the new chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association in June, believes she was fired because she refused her supervisor’s request to withdraw from the election for the leadership post.

Cheng’s dismissal comes at a time when Hong Kong journalists are facing increasing challenges due to political changes in the city, including the introduction of a national security law in 2020 and another security law in 2021 targeting activities such as espionage and colluding with external forces. This has led to the closure of news outlets and a decline in media freedom.

The Hong Kong Journalists Association, which has been criticized by local authorities and pro-Beijing media outlets, has condemned The Wall Street Journal for pressuring its employees to not participate in advocacy for press freedom. The association warns that such actions could further hasten the decline of independent journalism in Hong Kong.

Cheng’s case is just one example of the challenges faced by journalists in Hong Kong, where the press freedom index ranks 135th out of 180 countries and territories. The situation highlights the importance of protecting press freedom and the role of journalists in holding those in power accountable.