HK journalist convicted over mob attack probe

Choy’s lawyers argued her searches served the public interest.

HONG KONG (AFP) — An award-winning Hong Kong journalist was found guilty on Thursday of improperly searching a public database of vehicle licence plates to help track down the perpetrators of an attack on democracy supporters by government loyalists.

The conviction of Bao Choy, a producer with public broadcaster RTHK, comes at a time of deepening concerns over press freedom in the international business hub as Beijing stamps out dissent in the wake of huge democracy protests.

Choy, 37, was found guilty on two counts of “knowingly making a false statement” to access number plate ownership records.

“Members of the public do not have an absolute right to obtain any document under this ordinance,” principal magistrate Ivy Chui said.

Choy faced up to six months in jail but was ultimately fined HK$6,000 ($770).

Colleagues and members of RTHK’s employee union gathered outside the court holding banners that read “Journalism is not a crime” and “Who wants the public kept in the dark?”

“Though I was found guilty I still believe journalism is not a crime and searching registries is not a crime,” Choy told reporters.

The database searches were made for an RTHK documentary last year called “Who Owns The Truth?” that investigated an attack on pro-democracy protesters by a gang of men armed with clubs and sticks.

RTHK used footage from witnesses and security cameras — as well as number plate searches and interviews — to piece together events.