Under a new policy, Hong Kong’s police will cease to recognise press accreditation issued by local media or journalist associations unless they are also registered with the Hong Kong’s Information Services Department. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said the move aggressively undermines media freedom and independence in Hong Kong and demands it be revoked immediately.
In a letter sent to media organisations on 22 September 2020, the chief superintendent of the public relations branch of the Hong Kong Police, Kenneth Kwok, outlined amendments to the definition of “media representatives”. The new policy takes effect from 23 September 2020. Police justify the restrictions as a means to control activities and “fake reporters”. On 22 September, the HKJA joined eight Hong Kong media unions in demanding the policy be scrapped.
