Former Stand News Editors Sentenced for Sedition

In a landmark case reflecting Hong Kong's declining press freedom, former Stand News editors Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam were sentenced for sedition under a colonial-era law. Chung received 21 months in prison, while Lam, suffering from serious health issues, was released immediately. The pair were found guilty of conspiring to publish seditious articles, seen as undermining the Hong Kong and Beijing governments. Stand News, once known for its critical stance, was shuttered amid a broader crackdown on dissent following the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Their conviction has sparked international outcry, with Western diplomats and human rights organizations condemning the verdict and urging respect for press freedom. The case underscores the increasing constraints on media and expression in Hong Kong.