Two Men Arrested Over Election Poster Theft in Hong Kong
Hong Kong police have detained two men suspected of stealing and damaging posters that promoted the upcoming “patriots-only” Legislative Council election scheduled for December 7.
According to local authorities, a 45-year-old man was apprehended after nine election posters outside a building in To Kwa Wan were reported missing on Wednesday morning. Surveillance footage helped police identify and arrest the suspect later that day near the same location.
Police said the individual was detained on suspicion of theft and criminal damage after reviewing security camera recordings.
The arrests come amid heightened political tensions surrounding Hong Kong’s tightly controlled elections, which are limited to candidates deemed loyal to Beijing.
Background on Press Freedom in Hong Kong
Over the past decade, Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) has published more than 30,000 stories, won multiple journalism awards, and supported dozens of local reporters. Despite facing threats, surveillance, visa denials, and censorship, HKFP continues to uphold independent reporting in the city.
“HKFP has survived threats, visa trouble, intimidation, harassment, surveillance, censorship, media bans, government inspections, and plenty of pepper spray,” the organization stated.
As traditional news outlets face shutdowns and arrests, HKFP urges readers to support press freedom through membership donations to sustain independent journalism in Hong Kong.
Call to Action
HKFP invites readers to become members for HK$150 per month to help secure independent coverage and protect freedom of the press in Hong Kong.
Author’s summary: Police detained two men in Hong Kong for stealing and damaging election posters as independent outlets like HKFP continue to advocate for press freedom amid growing restrictions.