Press advocacy group condemns detention of Macao reporters News
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Press advocacy group condemns detention of Macao reporters

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Monday strongly condemned the 11-hour detention and potential prosecution of two journalists in Macao, calling the move a “disturbing escalation” in the ongoing suppression of independent journalism in China’s special administrative region.

According to the news outlet All About Macau, the two reporters were detained for 11 hours after being barred from covering a session of Macao’s Legislative Assembly earlier this month, where sensitive discussions regarding national security legislation were underway. Macau authorities accused the reporters of causing disruption when they attempted to question officials. Following that confrontation, the reporters were detained for questioning for nearly half a day. One of the arrested reporters is the editor-in-chief of All About Macau, Ian Sio Tou. Both reporters now face possible charges under public order laws.

CPJ Asia program coordinator Beh Lih Yi said that the detention of the journalists sends a chilling message to all reporters in Macao: questioning authority or attempting to report independently can result in hours-long detention and criminal prosecution.

The incident highlights mounting concerns about Macao’s shrinking space for free expression, as authorities increasingly adopt measures such as those seen in neighboring Hong Kong, where independent media have been severely curtailed under the national security law enacted in 2020. Traditionally, Macao has maintained a relatively low political profile compared to Hong Kong, but recent developments suggest an accelerated alignment with Beijing’s hardline stance on dissent and information control.

Journalist advocacy groups have pointed out that restricting press access to legislative sessions undermines transparency and accountability — key principles in any society governed by the rule of law. “Preventing journalists from observing and reporting on government proceedings not only obstructs the public’s right to know but fosters an environment of secrecy,” CPJ added.

The CPJ has urged Macao authorities to immediately drop any charges against the journalists, respect the rights of the press, and ensure that reporters can perform their work without fear of harassment, detention, or retaliation.

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