National Security Law threatens media freedom in China

In June, the IFJ submitted a number of submissions to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee regarding the National Security Law and the Overseas Non-Governmental Organisations Management Law which are in the second review draft process. The submissions, submitted by the IFJ as well as the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and the International Commentators Association (ICA) highlighted a number of concerns including endangering local and foreign media operating in China. The IFJ expresses its deep concerns regarding many vague definitions, as well as a lack of adequate protection of press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information. It suggests for more precise definitions in a number of clauses and the removal of others which would violate conventions on access to information and impede media freedom. Read the submissions here.