Hong Kong's government has dismissed international claims of a press freedom crackdown as "slander," despite a significant decline in media liberties since the 2020 National Security Law. Journalists in the city contend with visa denials, surveillance, and legal threats, leading to self-censorship and struggles for independent outlets.

Hong Kong’s government on Friday slammed foreign media and press freedom groups, rejecting claims of a crackdown on press freedom as “slander” after jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai was awarded a free speech prize in Germany. Press freedom in the city has sharply declined since a 2020 National Security Law clamped down on dissent. Journalists face visa denials, surveillance, self-censorship and legal threats, while independent outlets struggle to survive.