Hong Kong must be alert to gradual erosion of its freedom of expression

With Hong Kong's news stands packed with an array of publications critical of leaders of all political stripes, many ask why press freedom is such a concern. This great city has been a torchbearer for a vibrant and independent press in Asia. It is critical it continues to be. The ripples of any attack against press freedom here are felt across the region.

When journalists are threatened, attacked or otherwise cowed into silence, the truth dies.

The relative freedom of Hong Kong-based journalists has resulted in important human rights coverage on China and elsewhere. Without freedom of expression, human rights violations cannot be exposed to the public, they cannot be debated and it is difficult to implement effective reforms.

Yet, when the journalists who seek to tell the story become the story, there is something seriously awry. What is striking about the inaugural findings of the Hong Kong Press Freedom Index is that the journalists' own views on the issue are even more pessimistic than those of the general public.

There are serious questions as to why many outspoken critics of the government and people who are perceived to be independent in political affairs have been suddenly dismissed from their jobs.

Beijing continues to exert influence over Hong Kong's media - through direct pressure from its liaison office here or through indirect interference from editors and owners who have close ties to and interests within mainland China.

The government has been swift to condemn the violent attacks targeting journalists, but most of the incidents remain unresolved.