Hong Kong goes back

Hong Kong goes back

Author: Index on Censorship June 30, 2022 Duration: 1:27:29

Six months after the handover of Hong Kong from British rule, Index on Censorship published a special edition: Hong Kong Goes Back. In it various people predicted what the future might hold. Jonathan Mirsky, then East Asia editor of The Times, wrote on how freedom of expression began to crumble in Hong Kong in anticipation of the handover. He described how news channels reported on China in a "vapid or grovelling" manner, democratic politicians spoke of their colleagues no longer wanting to be associated with them and organisations were expected to plan celebrations for the handover. Mirsky predicted a dismal future where loyalty to Beijing would be an overriding expectation.

Twenty-five years later his predictions have sadly been realised. The situation is grave, perhaps even worse than Mirksy's fears. Just how grave? Are there any freedoms left? And what can we, over in the UK, do to help?

A panel of people who all once called Hong Kong home will share their thoughts and experiences. On the panel will be Benedict Rogers, the CEO of Hong Kong Watch, Hong Kong journalist Kris Cheng, Mark Clifford, President of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, Evan Fowler, a writer and researcher on Hong Kong and China, and activist and author Nathan Law. The discussion will be chaired by Index on Censorship's current magazine editor, Jemimah Steinfeld, who has lived in China.

This event is organised in partnership with the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong.


There's a constant, global conversation happening about who gets to speak and what stories are allowed to be told. Index on Censorship magazine podcasts brings you directly into that dialogue, moving beyond headlines to examine the real-world battles for free expression. Each episode draws from the deep well of experience and reporting that has defined the Index on Censorship organization for decades. You'll hear from journalists facing threats for their work, artists navigating creative suppression, and activists challenging silence in all its forms. This isn't just theoretical discussion; it's grounded in the urgent, often personal struggles shaping our media and culture. The podcast offers nuanced commentary that connects the dots between news events, artistic movements, and the fundamental right to share ideas. Expect thoughtful interviews, on-the-ground reports, and analysis that refuses to oversimplify complex issues. By tuning in, you gain a clearer understanding of the forces that seek to limit speech and the resilient individuals pushing back. It’s essential listening for anyone who cares about the unfiltered stories that define our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 25

Index on Censorship magazine podcasts
Podcast Episodes
Letter from Palestine: novelist Abbad Yahya [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:05
Palestianian novelist Abbad Yahya speaks about the difficult choices for those living in the West Bank and the effects of censorship
What the Fuck!? Comedian and author Andrew Doyle talks free speech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:43
Index's editorial assistant Benjamin Lynch talks to comedian and author Andrew Doyle about his new book, "Free Speech and Why It Matters". They discuss incitement and his thoughts on why President Donald Trump shouldn't…