Hong Kong authorities trying to disrupt independent press with ‘strange’ tax audits

Hong Kong’s media have come under increasing persecution since the government ushered in a Beijing-designed national security law. Photograph: Liau Chung-ren/Zuma Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

Hong Kong authorities have targeted journalists and media outlets with what are supposed to be “random” tax audits, in a move the industry union says adds pressure to waning press freedoms.

The head of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, Selina Cheng, detailed what she said were “strange” and “unreasonable” accusations by Hong Kong’s inland revenue department. Requests or audits were made against the association, at least eight independent media outlets, and at least 20 journalists and their family members, including Cheng and her parents, she said at a press conference on Wednesday.