On May 29, 2026, Hong Kong’s High Court upheld the conviction and five-day prison sentence of veteran journalist and former Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) chair Ronson Chan for obstructing police. The case dates back to September 2022, when Chan was arrested for allegedly delaying presenting his identity card to plainclothes police officers while covering a homeowners’ meeting. Chan cited valid privacy concerns, recalling a 2019 incident where officers live-streamed a reporter’s ID card. However, Deputy High Court Judge Lily Wong rejected the appeal, ruling that Chan’s persistent questioning constituted willful obstruction.
This ruling damages the civil society enabling environment, particularly press freedom and fundamental freedoms. Civil society and media groups reacted with sharp condemnation. The HKJA expressed “deep regret,” warning that the ruling fails to protect constitutional rights and sets a restrictive standard for journalists dealing with police. Current HKJA chair Selina Cheng noted that Chan is the 20th journalist imprisoned or remanded since 2019 due to reporting activities, warning that the verdict gives police disproportionate power during routine checks. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also voiced outrage, stating the verdict sets a dangerous precedent that erodes already fragile press freedoms.