Hong Kong's Press Freedom Is Dead: Claudia Mo

Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo warned on Wednesday that journalists in Hong Kong could find themselves in "dire trouble" due to the city's national security legislation, saying the SAR no longer has freedom of the press.

"Anyone giving or disseminating any [sensitive] material or information to a journalist, and this journalist publishes information obtained in such a manner, could be in dire trouble. Both of them," said Mo, who is a former journalist herself.

"This is not the rule of law. These is not even rule by law. This is rule by decree. Free press could just be announced dead in Hong Kong."

Article 9 of the National Security Law says the SAR government has to “take necessary measures to strengthen public communication, guidance, supervision and regulation” of the media, as well as the internet, schools and social organisations, over matters concerning national security.

Other members of the pro-democracy camp also reacted strongly on Wednesday to the implementation of the security law, saying it has essentially turned Hong Kong into "just another mainland city".

At a press conference, opposition lawmakers said the legislation aims to silence dissent by instilling fear into the hearts of every Hongkonger.

The Civic Party's Dennis Kwok urged people not to be cowed.

"My advice to the Hong Kong people is do not let fear into your hearts. Because this is exactly what they want to do. Drive fear into the hearts of the Hong Kong people who aspire for freedom and democracy. Because if you let fear dominate your soul and your heart, then they will win," Kwok said.