Prosecutors said the independent journalist violated the ordinance because she searched the vehicle registration database while producing the documentary “Hong Kong Connection: 7.21 Who Owns the Truth?” for the public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK).
Prosecutors said the ordinance should only be used for “transportation-related matters,” not at the time of reporting.
Magistrate Ivy Chui agreed and said the use of Choy’s database was not in line with what vehicle owners expected when they sent their data to the Department of Transportation. He said the government should not give personal data of vehicle owners to users who do not use the information within the scope of the permit.
“Reports and news gathering are not related to traffic and transportation issues,” Chui said. “It is obvious that the applicant has used the information of the transport department to inform.”
The case against Choy has intensified concerns about civil liberties in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, as authorities continue to crack down on prominent figures linked to the democratic movement.
Dozens of alleged gang members violently attacked democracy supporters and passengers at the local Yuen Long train station in northern Hong Kong in July 2019. Police took 39 minutes to respond to the attack, provoking criticism from pro-democracy protesters and worsening trust among protesters. and authorities.
During Choy’s show, which aired on RTHK in July 2020, one narrator said producers had identified some vehicles suspected of supplying weapons to the attackers. Using a vehicle registration database, the producers linked the vehicles to local representatives of villages living in the area, before addressing them for comment.
Choy’s documentary has won two awards in Hong Kong, and most recently picked up one on Wednesday.
Over the past month Choy’s attorney, Derek Chan, argued that the use of Choy’s database was “obviously related to traffic issues,” because the vehicles were suspected of carrying weapons for the perpetrators of the 21st attack. of July.
He added that public databases should remain open due to the public interest.
The case is seen as one more example of the growing restrictions on journalists. After dictating the verdict, Choy’s supporters held placards and chanted slogans such as “Journalism is not a crime” and “Bao Choy, fight.”
The international surveillance dog Reporters Without Borders now occupies Hong Kong 80 of 180 countries and territories for press freedom. In 2002, the city ranked 18th.