In early April 2026, independent media outlet InMedia reported in a blog post that reporters received harassing text messages “in recent months” and were suspected of being followed by unidentified individuals “in recent days” after covering Wang Fuk Court fire independent committee public hearings beginning March 19. InMedia filed two police reports regarding suspected stalking and harassment.
Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) issued a statement on 13 April, strongly condemning incidents, stating stalking aims to create “chilling effect” making “every reporter present aware they could be under surveillance at any time, thereby invisibly restricting reporting freedom.” HKJA wrote to the Security Bureau on April 5 requesting clarification whether law enforcement conducted any form of surveillance, tracking or stalking of journalists, and urging authorities clearly oppose all stalking, intimidation and harassment targeting reporters. The Security Bureau replied April 7 stating that if HKJA has more information about suspected stalking, welcome providing to police, and strongly condemned HKJA for “again questioning whether suspected stalking harassment was committed by law enforcement,” stating “making unfounded speculations without verification damages reputation of all law enforcement officers.” HKJA expressed regret at Bureau’s response, noting Bureau “did not directly deny” whether law enforcement investigated or tracked journalists involved, nor committed to seriously follow up InMedia’s reports.
This extends a systematic pattern: September 2024 saw at least 13 organizations including media outlets and press groups face harassment including online doxxing and defamatory letters to home addresses, workplaces and family members, which HKJA described as “systematic and organised attack.” October 2024 police stated investigating HKJA harassment reports but March 2026 told HKFP no arrests made. The Wang Fuk Court fire hearings covered by InMedia began March 19 with eight sessions before long weekend, resuming on April 2.