To exhibit Asian journalists' triumphs and journeys to offer compelling and trustworthy news.
"JUSTICE FOR SIR BENHARL KAHIL"
Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT) and political cartoonist Benharl Kahil was killed in Pasandalan, Lebak on November 5.
He was assassinated by unknown assailants.
Every journalist, cartoonist, and media personnels have the right to be safe and to express their opinions without fear.
His family grieves on his loss. Let justice and truth prevail.
Photo/Art by: Angelo Lopez/Angelo Lopez Cartoons
ATOM ARAULLO SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DISINFORMATION 🗣️
Journalist for a broadcast outlet Atom Araullo didn't take it lying down after a commenter online allegedly red-tagged his mother in a post.
Notably, the netizen referred to his mother, Dr. Carol Pagaduan Araullo, an "NPA" in the tweet. Dr. Pagaduan is the president of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).
In a diatribe to his Twitter followers, Atom referred to the user's assertion as "disinformation."
He said, "Disinformation is a significant problem that can have catastrophic implications globally."
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) urged its colleagues to speak out against red-tagging in a statement.
Atom, meantime, thanked the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in a post for denouncing an "attack" on media professionals.
Photo by: Atom Araullo/Instagram
“NAKAKATAWA NA ANG DAMI-DAMING NANINIWALA DIYAN"
The professional journalist responded to the allegation on Twitter by claiming that he was born after Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino's assassination and the subsequent anti-Marcos protest movements.
In his message, he stated, "Utang na loob, itigil niyo na yung teoryang ipinangalan ako sa August Twenty One Movement o ATOM." Ninoy was born on August 21, 1983, 1982 po, ipinanganak ako (ayan age reveal tuloy).
"Ang Atom po ay kumbinasyon ng Alfonso at Tomas, na pangalan ng dalawa kong Lolong astig," he stated.
He went on to say that while he thought the assertions were absurd, the Philippines still had a serious lack of media literacy.
In subsequent tweets, Araullo stated, " is real. Learning poverty is real.”
“Nakakatawa na ang dami-daming naniniwala diyan, at ginagamit na pruweba ng umano'y political agenda ko. Never thought I'd need to explain this, but here we are,” he claimed.
Photo by: Atom Araullo/Instagram
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW CHEVENING SCHOLARS! 🥇🎉
Lian Buan, a senior reporter for Rappler, is one of the 23 Filipinos who received one of the renowned Chevening honors for the school year 2022–2023.
The other Chevening scholars, in addition to Buan, are Darwin Angeles, John Joshua Azucena, Tina Andrea Amador-Robles, Denise Cheska Enriquez, Jose Joy Gepanaga, Celina Ysabel Gacias, Chrisley Ann Hinayas, Regina Victoria Mora, Ria Riezl Octavio, Abigail Pabro, Lester Pelaez, Arvin Kristopher Razon, Roxanne Mariel Roxas, Sabrina Melissande Tamayo, enaira Mae Jalasco, Maranatha Praise Ladringan, Mary Rocelyn Lim-Guillano, Joanne Nicole Marie Madridejos, Maria Shairra Alyssa Bello, Mark Brandon Chan, Jeo Angelo Elamparo and Hamilcar Chanjuenco.
Two-thirds of this year's Chevening cohort are women, and there is so much talent in the room, said UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, who hosted a send-off for the scholars on Tuesday at her residence. "I am so happy for this year's Chevening cohort as they travel to the UK to pursue a master's degree that is fully supported.
Photo by: Rappler
REMINDER: SOCIAL MEDIA CAN EITHER RESULT TO GOOD OR BAD JOURNALISM. BE WARY. ⚠️🚫
The opportunity and threat presented by social media are equal. Many of us, acknowledging that how people consume news has evolved over time, rely on social media platforms to stay informed. With so many outlets and sources, it can be challenging to locate genuine independent journalism that is concerned with the real problems rather than the titles' economics, clickbait, and the sale of people's wants rather than their needs.
We are all aware that Twitter and Facebook together have the power to significantly influence public opinion. We cannot expect true journalism to continue having the necessary good influence unless it makes the same strong shift into social media.
Always remember to share only legit news. Do not share something that has no genuine or credible source. Practice true journalism in social media to make it a better place for everyone.
Photo by: The Atlantic
OPINION: SOCIAL MEDIA MAKES JOURNALISM EASIER... AND COMPLICATED 🤦
Social media has completely taken over our lives in the digital age, whether it be in terms of business, journalism, or education.
Social media has been used by a number of journalism websites and businesses to display, disseminate, and circulate the news content they need to communicate with us. Consequently, a variety of audiences can view this information.
On the other hand, because of its wide range and prospects, we often see diverse sets of information that could deceive us. Due to the abundance of online sources, we run the risk of believing fake news if we are unsure of its veracity.
Journalism is made simpler by social media because information and news tend to travel quickly and reach their intended audience. However, technology complicates matters because it provides a number of sources, some of which can be false and serve to alter people's perceptions.
Be aware, be careful, and be smart.
Photo by: LinkedIn
“ANO PO BANG TINGIN N'YO SA MEDIA? DEODORANT?”
Journalists play a big role in our country's freedom, peace, and order. Our duty is not only to spread the truth; but also to inspire people to know more about the truth. Journalism educates people to decide well — not only a decision that will benefit them — but a decision that will make a change.
Journalists are not deodorants. No journalists can and must cover the stink of corruption, incompetence, and greed.
Photo/Art by: Isang Tasang Kape/Facebook
TRIVIA: NATIONAL PRESS CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES (NPC) AND ITS CODE OF ETHICS ✊
The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) is a professional organization of Filipino journalists who want to establish and build good journalism for the common people of the Philippines. It also aspires to strengthen our journalism bond between other neighboring countries; as it joins the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ).
Just like other institution, NPC has its own code of ethics that must be conformed by its members to retain and maintain clean and true journalism within our republic.
Check this link to learn more: https://nationalpressclubphilippines.com/2017/02/27/a-journalists-code-of-ethics/
Photo by: Toto Causing Blogspot
RED TAGGING... AGAIN AND AGAIN 🥹
One of the earliest alternative news websites, Bulatlat, has been the target of numerous attacks. The National Telecommunications Commission last year suspended its website and other alternative news sources because of supposed communist affiliations at the request of former national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon. The block order was upheld by the Quezon City court after the NTC was granted an injunction and their appeal was denied.
During her nearly two decades in Bulatlat, Olea has taken the lead in both this battle and past assaults and threats against the media. Len is reportedly quite well-known in the trial courts, on numerous fora, and in the parliament of the streets, according to Bulatlat's declaration from October 14. She defended press freedom and public access by standing up to those who dared to restrict these rights. She pledges her support to fellow media professionals and journalists who are experiencing violence.
Along with Olea, the "news anchors" of the program also linked other journalists and media outlets, including the NUJP, the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, to communist groups. SMNI, which is owned by Quiboloy, has long been charged of red-tagging and other fabrications.
The murder of the brutally honest commentator Percy Lapid, the threats against News5's Ed Lingao and Lourd de Veyra, and the Court of Appeals' affirmation of Maria Ressa and Rey Santos' convictions for cyberlibel make the timing of this red-tagging case even more alarming.
Olea's (Olea's) coffee in our workplace is as strong as her dedication to fighting for a free press, to use Bulatlat's words. Bulatlat wants SMNI to stop red-tagging in order to protect journalism.
Photo by: Center for Media Freedom & Responsibility (CMFR)
ATOM ARAULLO WINS PALANCA AWARD! 🥇🎉
The story of a teacher with a floating school, a fisherman who taught himself Tagalog, and an 8-year-old girl from a little community in Tawi-Tawi is depicted in Atom Araullo's "Letter from Tawi-tawi."
Atom wrote and illustrated "Letter from Tawi-tawi," which made its premiere on GMA News Online in August 2022.
"Letter from Tawi-tawi" was described by Atom as a narrative and meditation on social media.
Before Atom clinches the top award for essay, the Palanca award comes after yet another recent victory. Atom's documentary "Munting Bisig" won the silver prize for Documentaries and Reports (TV, Online, and Cinema) in the Human Concerns and Social Issues category at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards earlier this week.
After winning the Best Asian Documentary at the Asia Content Awards (ACA) and the Gold Award in the Documentary: Social Issues category at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards 2022, "Munting Bisig" now has three victories to its record.
Photo by: Atom Araullo/Instagram
HINDU MOB ASSAULTED THREE JOURNALISTS IN NEW DELHI, INDIA
In interviews with Al Jazeera, three Indian journalists alleged that on Tuesday, they were covering a story in the nation's capital, New Delhi when a Hindu mob attacked them.
Tantray, who is from the region of Kashmir that is under Indian rule, asserted that a few Hindus, including one who identified himself as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member, questioned him about why he was taking photos and videos while a movie was being filmed there.
Tantray's name was often being requested, so Singh started referring to Tantray as "Sagar," a Hindu name. In an effort to protect Tantray from the mob, Singh, a Sikh, said, "Chalo Sagar yahan se" (Let's depart from here, Sagar).
"I could definitely see the communal fervor and venom in their eyes. They were aware of my religious identity because I was a Sikh and was wearing a turban. But Shahid (Tantray), a Muslim, was their adversary, Singh told Al Jazeera.
Prabhjit Singh stated, "I threw myself like a wall between Shahid (Tantray) and the Hindu rabble because I had to save him.”
More people later gathered and the mob grew to about 100 people, he said.
"I've experienced neck and lower back pain," according to Tantray, who said that the throng attacked him and attempted to choke him with the camera strap.
He asserted that the mob held them as "hostages" for about 90 minutes before two neighboring police officers showed up. Prabhjit Singh, one of his coworkers, made an effort to shield him from the mob's anger.
To keep the journalists safe from the throng, the second squad of police officers was sent. They were later driven to the neighborhood police station.
Tantray stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that if a journalist went through this, "we can only imagine what would be happening to people without such avenues that are open to journalists."
Photo by: Bilal Kuchay/Al Jazeera
JAPANESE JOURNALIST CAPTURED IN YANGON; FACING A DECADE OF IMPRISONMENT
Toru Kubota, 26, is allegedly being held captive by plainclothes police in Yangon while filming a documentary that he has been working on for years.
Kubota was given a three-year term for sedition and a seven-year sentence for the communications offenses on Wednesday, according to Tetsuo Kitada, the deputy head of mission of the Japanese Embassy in Myanmar, who was quoting the filmmaker's lawyer.
According to Kitada, the court judgment was reached "behind closed doors" without Kubota's attorney.
Observers and human rights organizations claim that in Myanmar, secret tribunals that are closed to the press and the public have become the norm. The Japanese embassy is "trying its best" to secure Kubota's quick release, Kitada said.
Observers and rights groups assert that Myanmar's freedoms and rights are still being reduced under the military government. According to non-governmental organizations, the army has been launching more frequent violent assaults on civilian targets, such as schools, and state killings have resumed.
Photo by: Issei Kato/Reuters
OPINION: JOURNALISM IS NOT FOR EVERYONE 💯
Journalism is still a "dangerous profession in the country," according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), and the frequent murders and assassinations of media workers are obvious evidence of this.
Since journalists encounter many hardships and difficulties along the way, it may also be said that this is certainly not for everyone.
Some people struggle to speak for themselves. Many people are cowards who are silenced and confronted by their fear. Not everyone has the guts to put their lives in danger only to speak out and spread the truth.
The world of journalism is no joke; you need to be completely committed to it and have a heart of steel. You're about to face a lot of goliaths.
Despite those sentiments, one of the reasons we are able to enjoy our rights today is because of journalists. Remember that journalism requires a lot of courage. They are putting their own privileges at danger just so we can have some.
Photo by: Study Break
TRIVIA: NATIONAL PRESS CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES
The National Press Club is a professional and social organization for journalists in the Philippines (NPC). Teodoro Valencia, a newspaper publisher who would later serve as the organization's third president in 1955, was the impetus for its incorporation on October 29, 1952.
When it was first established, broadcast journalism, particularly television journalism, did not yet exist. Thus, the organization's first membership was limited to journalists working for print media. The NPC now includes journalists from radio and television, nevertheless.
The NPC has aggressively interfered in matters impacting press freedom. Additionally, it has undertaken projects aimed at improving Philippine journalistic standards. In addition to actively taking part in the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists, it maintains friendly ties with other worldwide journalistic groups.
With the aim of "upholding the freedom of the press and the dignity of the newspaperman's profession," the NPC was founded to support journalists and their families, who are frequently the target of libel lawsuits or even assassination attempts.
More than that, the NPC seeks to provide those who gather and transmit news with a place where they can improve their professional standards and skills, promote free expression, and foster camaraderie.
In order to control its own ranks, the NPC reprimands unruly media workers, particularly those who engage in so-called "envelopmental journalism." At the same time, it provides defense assistance to those who are sued as a result of legitimate criticism.
Photo by: Toto Causing Blogspot
REMINDER: BE CAUTIOUS! FAKE NEWS IS EVERYWHERE! 🚫⚠️
Fake news, a term that has recently gained popularity, has influenced people's purchasing decisions, swayed national elections, and bolstered support for armed conflict. It has splintered societies, separated nations, and sparked wars.
Fake news has spread false "facts" and taken up valuable time and space that could have been better spent on topics of genuine interest. False news is unquestionably a major topic of the day and undoubtedly one of the largest difficulties to legitimate journalism, even though it can be difficult to trace exactly when and where it first started to circulate.
Due to the amount of information from unrestricted sources, such as social media, and the requirement to quickly repeat each big occurrence, it is easy to spread "news," ideas, claims, and political declarations that lack supporting documentation. The value of journalism lies in performing that task right from the outset by checking sources and facts before coming to any judgments.
Photo by: iStock
"BA'T GANO'N? JUSTICE FOR SIR BENHARL KAHIL"
This photo reminds us on how press, journalists, and media personnels were oppressed, killed, murdered, and halted just because their duty is to spread the truth.
Just like Sir Kahil, a licensed professional teacher (LPT) and a cartoonist. Most of his artworks exhibits societal issues that our republic faces.
Liars, corrupts, and murderers are trying to do everything just to hush our society's truth seekers.
Photo/Art by: Kenneth Dalangin/Facebook
THE INFORMATION THAT WE HAVE SO FAR: CEBUANA JOURNALIST NIKKA DELA CRUZ SLAIN DURING NEGROS OCCIDENTAL CLASH
Cebuana journalist and former activist Nikka dela Cruz was one of the four rebels that engaged the military in action on July 6 in Negros Occidental.
Dela Cruz was among the four people slain during the fighting, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Juanito Magbanua, a spokesman for the New People's Army (NPA) Negros Island Regional Operational Command, disagreed with the AFP and claimed that the four victims were slain while they were sick and taking a break. Magbanua explains, in essence, that they were "slaughtered" rather than killed during the battle.
The alleged Red fighters were earlier caught and were unable to fight due to their medical conditions, he claimed, therefore it was a massacre.
Along with Roel "Ka Jack" Ladera, Alden "Ka Rocky" Rodriguez, and Roel "Ka Caloy" Deguit, Dela Cruz, also known as Ka Chai, passed away. The NPA and the military both confirmed the deceased were NPA members. They are now referred to as the "Binalbagan 4" by activist groups.
Photo by: Nikka dela Cruz page
RUBEN NEPALES DID IT! 🎉💯🥇
Ruben Nepales, a well-known entertainment columnist for Rappler, won three awards at the 64th Southern California Journalism Awards on June 25.
For his July 2021 article about the television show The White Lotus, which he regularly published in his Rappler column, Only IN Hollywood, Nepales took home the top prize in the Online Individual Blog Category.
Ruben also clinched second place in the Best Columnist or Critic category.
Furthermore, the prominent columnist was awarded third place in the Entertainment News or Feature category, courtesy of his article that features M. Chu's film, In the Heights.
Aside from Nepales, some individuals have clinched several awards, too.
Bill Whitaker, a correspondent for 60 Minutes, received the Joseph M. Quinn Lifetime Achievement Award. Marcus Yam, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, was named photojournalist/videographer of the year.
Lastly, Janet Nepales, Ruben's wife, came in third in the category for foreign correspondent’s personality profiles.
Photo by: Janet R. Nepales
SHOULD WE USE MEGAPHONE FOR US TO BE HEARD? 🗣️📢
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) criticized Vic Rodriguez, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.'s former spokesperson, for ignoring the inquiries of a Rappler reporter, calling his behavior "a red flag for press freedom."
In a statement released on Thursday, the NUJP stated that it supports Lian Buan and Rambo Talabong of Rappler as well as other journalists who are having trouble speaking with the UniTeam slate.
"Despite a pledge of more media access when president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. takes office, Marcos former spokesperson Vic Rodriguez's willful refusal to recognize questions from Buan at a live press briefing is a red flag for press freedom and dialogue in a second Marcos presidency," it stated.
After a US official claimed that the Biden administration was eager to cooperate with the future Philippine president, Rodriguez was asked whether the late dictator's son had managed to comply with the contempt ruling. He said, "Next question."
The Rappler reporter persisted in pressing the ex-spokesperson, asking Marcos if he would revoke President Rodrigo Duterte's Proclamation No. 319, which designated September 21 as a National Day of Protest — the anniversary of the declaration of martial law. Rodriguez gave the reporter the cold shoulder. Rodriguez continued to ignore the query.
The NUJP stated: "The media community's concern is not without foundation: newsrooms were shut down during his father's reign before being permitted to function under the watchful eye of government censors.
They added: "We face the prospect of more restrictions with public trust in us eroded, partly by our missteps but largely because of a sustained campaign to discredit the critical press.”
Photo by: Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate Prib
PERCY LAPID KILLED IN A BOLD ATTACK IN THE VICINITY OF HIS RESIDENCE
Numerous political activists, journalists, and media experts have criticized the shooting of radio host Percy Lapid in Las Pinas not far from his home.
According to police reports on Tuesday, Lapid, a 63-year-old broadcaster, was assassinated on Monday night by two gunmen on motorcycles.
The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) claims that the murder of Mabasa is proof of how dangerous the media profession is in our country. They described it as a "remaining lethal profession in the Philippines."
They continued by saying how courageous the murderers must be for this atrocity to have occurred in suburban Manila. Being unable to safeguard journalists and other media professionals during this time further demonstrates how inept the authorities are. They asserted that regular people can encounter the same circumstance.
Mabasa is a well-known critic of both Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. and former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
However, police committed to bringing these killers to justice for what they did to the radio host despite the absence of a government declaration.
Photo by: Jam Sta. Rosa/AFP
REMINDER: JOURNALISM IS MORE THAN JUST DELIVERING FACTS. 💯
It requires doing so in a way that can inspire people to express themselves in a constructive and defining way for themselves and for the greater society, to arrive at the correct conclusions, and to make the right judgments.
By outlining what is right and wrong, journalism can serve as society's moral compass, empowering it to implement inclusive policies and uphold morally upstanding viewpoints.
Journalism does more than only publish the facts; it also educates the public on the meaning of the evidence, allowing them to select which information should be considered acceptable and which should be rejected.
The only way journalism can fulfill its promise to change the world is if it can successfully navigate all the demands and difficulties it encounters.
Because it has such important implications for the generation we are now raising, people must be able to perform outstanding journalism.
Photo by: Oklahoma Baptist University
TRIVIA: CONFEDERATION OF ASEAN JOURNALISTS ✨
CAJ was established to promote regional cooperation and act as a communicator for the region's diversity. Leading journalists from the five ASEAN countries assembled in Jakarta in March 1975 to create CAJ. Since then, CAJ has played a key role in fostering connections amongst residents of the ASEAN countries who have different historical and cultural backgrounds.
Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia (PWI), National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), Singapore National Union of Journalists (SNUJ), Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ), Vietnam Journalists Association (VJA), Laos Journalists Association (LJA), and The Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ) of Cambodia are currently members of CAJ as ASEAN has grown and changed.
One of CAJ's objectives is to promote a strong, free, and responsible press, which is crucial for the growth of a country. In the quickly changing information age, where the aim is more crucial than ever, ASEAN has developed into the ASEAN Community. Collaboration and communication among ASEAN journalists are essential to promoting a deeper understanding of the area.
Photo by: Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ)
BREAK FREE: ONLINE ART EXHIBIT
“Talo Pa Rin Ng Bato Ang Gunting"
Painted by: Jessica Casaljay
Type of Art: Acrylic Painting
A great representation of how journalists are facing the modern societal issues of our country. It also speaks a lot about the bravery of every media personnel has just to offer us the truth that we deserve.
Photo by: Break Free/Facebook
OPINION: BEING A JOURNALIST IN THIS COUNTRY IS LIKE BURYING YOUR FOOT ONTO THE GROUND ⬇️
In this country, pursuing the field of journalism is comparable to putting one's own foot on the ground and is therefore exceedingly perilous. Knowing how widely misinformation has been propagated on social media, dealing with that requires a lot of guts.
Media workers have been killed in large numbers recently. Why are they kept silent? Are they committing a mistake? Or perhaps they lacked tolerance, inciting "these people" to rage, and abusing their position to shut these truth-seekers' mouths?
It is tragic to watch how these individuals were silenced for doing nothing more than their assigned duties.
Let's not forget the fact that these experts are protecting the truth. They are practically putting their lives in danger in order for these truths to become generally recognized.
You must know the truth, and it must prevail. You will know the truth, and it will set us free. Apparently, a cliche — but it is true.
Photo by: iStock
PRESS PREDATORS CHECK! 👀
The most recent edition of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Predators Gallery names the leaders of six Southeast Asian countries for violating press freedom, imprisoning journalists without cause, and inciting violence against them.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who first appeared on the list in 2011, stood out after his February coup and the homicidal crackdown he has since overseen in Myanmar. The correspondent claims that Min Aung Hlaing has, since the coup, "subjected the media to a rapidly growing crackdown in which all independent outlets have been closed, scores of journalists have been imprisoned, and complete control is being exerted over what the press writes."
He joins other world leaders from countries including Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Unexpectedly, neither Laos, a communist one-party state since 1975, nor Brunei, whose harsh Sharia Law was implemented in 2019, were included.
Thus far, only Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have made an exception to allow the media to perform its job.
Politicians are now known for restricting news when they strongly disagree with it, especially on social media. "They have either directly or indirectly advocated for the ex*****on of journalists," claims RSF, even when they are not directly involved in the killing of journalists.
Photo by: AP Photo/File
CHAN FLIES TO OXFORD UNIVERSITY! ✈️
Just a week after being accused of tampering with the police, Ronson Chan, the chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, left Hong Kong on Thursday to submit an application for a six-month fellowship at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University in the UK.
The senior reporter claimed that he signed up for the program when Stand News, his previous employer, was forced to close its doors after a police raid on its headquarters in December. Being accepted at the Reuters Institute offered him an opportunity, which he called "bittersweet."
He assured the Hong Kong Journalists Association that he would continue to assist. Chan promised that we would still make statements if something happened.
About 30 reporters had gathered at the airport to cover Chan's departure, which perplexed some travelers who turned to look at Chan and wondered, "Who is this?"
When questioned about his thoughts on the media attention, Ronson replied that he was speechless. It has always been the idea for me to come back, claims Chan. Chan commented that while the head of the HKJA studying abroad used to be commonplace, it is now problematic.
Photo by: Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP)
HK JOURNALIST UNION'S HEAD ARRESTED 🚓
The head of the journalist union in Hong Kong had been arrested and taken into custody by police only a few weeks before his departure from the city and the beginning of an international fellowship.
Ronson Chan, the president of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), was detained on suspicion of obstructing a police officer and acting disruptively in a public place.
According to Channel C, the news company where the journalist works, the journalist was held by police while providing a report on a convention of owners of public housing apartments. The authorities then sought to confirm the reporter's identification.
Chan, a 41-year-old man, was reportedly held by police after refusing to show his ID card on many occasions and acting in an "uncooperative" manner.
Chan was slated to leave for Oxford University and a six-month fellowship at the Reuters Institute at the end of September.
Authorities have used a national security statute and sedition charges from the colonial era to crush dissent in Hong Kong after three years of pro-democracy demonstrations.
The city's position in international rankings for press freedom declined as a result of the increase in police inquiries into local media outlets that were perceived to be critical of the government.
Similar to numerous now-defunct pro-democracy unions and civil society organizations, Chan and the HKJA has frequently come under fire from media outlets that are under the control of Beijing's Liaison Office in the city.
Chan formerly worked for the online news site Stand News and the neighborhood tabloid Apple Daily, both of which were forced to shut down last year after CEOs were accused of violating national security, forcing hundreds of journalists to lose their jobs.
When Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published its yearly press freedom report in May, Hong Kong dropped 68 spots to 148th in the world.
The first RSF study, conducted in 2002, placed Hong Kong as the 18th most free media market in the world.
Photo by: Reuters
Malabon
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when East’s Journey List posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to East’s Journey List:
