As journalists in Hong Kong grapple with increased self-censorship and fear of legal repercussions, they are now facing the additional burden of scrutinized tax investigations. The Hong Kong Journalists Association reported that both independent news outlets and their founders are being targeted, heightening concerns over dwindling press freedoms in the region.
Hong Kong Journalists Face Tax Scrutiny Amidst Press Freedom Pressures
Hong Kong Journalists Face Tax Scrutiny Amidst Press Freedom Pressures
Concerns mount for media professionals in Hong Kong as tax investigations compound challenges following a national security crackdown.
Journalists in Hong Kong have increasingly complained about self-censorship and fears of arrest since the imposition of a national security law five years ago. Now, tax inspections are adding to their challenges. The Hong Kong Journalists Association disclosed on Wednesday that the union and several independent news outlets have been subjected to such investigations, which they argue exacerbates the already tense atmosphere surrounding press freedom.
The tax probes extend even to the personal finances of some journalists’ family members. Many affected journalists have received additional tax demands and have been requested to provide up to seven years of financial records. Selina Cheng, chair of the association, emphasized that these investigations lack substantial evidence, often basing claims on inflated estimates of income without consideration of business-related expenses.
"Journalists in Hong Kong do not earn significant incomes," Cheng stated, underscoring the dual burden of tax claims and the time-consuming effort required to prove their innocence amidst these unfounded accusations.
Despite the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department acknowledging that only about 1,800 field audits and investigations occurred in the prior year, it maintains that the scrutiny of journalists is a standard procedural practice. They assert that a taxpayer's profession or background does not influence their review process.
As the situation develops, many within the journalistic community are left questioning the balance of accountability and the protection of press freedoms in a rapidly changing political landscape.
The tax probes extend even to the personal finances of some journalists’ family members. Many affected journalists have received additional tax demands and have been requested to provide up to seven years of financial records. Selina Cheng, chair of the association, emphasized that these investigations lack substantial evidence, often basing claims on inflated estimates of income without consideration of business-related expenses.
"Journalists in Hong Kong do not earn significant incomes," Cheng stated, underscoring the dual burden of tax claims and the time-consuming effort required to prove their innocence amidst these unfounded accusations.
Despite the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department acknowledging that only about 1,800 field audits and investigations occurred in the prior year, it maintains that the scrutiny of journalists is a standard procedural practice. They assert that a taxpayer's profession or background does not influence their review process.
As the situation develops, many within the journalistic community are left questioning the balance of accountability and the protection of press freedoms in a rapidly changing political landscape.
