Overview
- Deputy High Court Judge Lily Wong dismissed Chan’s appeal on Friday and ordered him to begin a five-day jail term for obstructing a police officer.
- Chan was arrested in 2022 while on his way to a reporting assignment after police said he refused to show his identity card, and a magistrate convicted him in 2023.
- The veteran journalist served as chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association and wore a ‘Free Press’ T-shirt at the hearing while supporters spoke up in court.
- Chan’s lawyer, Steven Kwan, said they will consider further appeals and could take the case to the Court of Final Appeal.
- The case has renewed concerns about press freedom in Hong Kong following the closure and prosecution of high-profile outlets and figures, and watchdogs point to tighter rules and increased self-censorship affecting reporters’ work.