Dow Jones convicted in Hong Kong for deterring journalist's union role

A Hong Kong court has convicted Dow Jones Publishing Co. (Asia) Inc. of attempting to deter a journalist from exercising her trade union rights. The ruling follows a private prosecution by Selina Cheng, a former Wall Street Journal reporter and current chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA).

Principal Magistrate David Cheung found the company guilty of violating the city’s Employment Ordinance by preventing or deterring Cheng from participating in union activities. Evidence indicated that management suggested her union role was incompatible with her employment and required her to seek prior permission for outside activities.

However, the court acquitted Dow Jones of the charge of wrongful termination. The judge ruled that there was sufficient reasonable doubt regarding the dismissal, accepting the company’s argument that Cheng was made redundant due to corporate restructuring within its Asian division.

Dow Jones has expressed disagreement with the ruling and is evaluating its next steps. The case has drawn attention to concerns regarding press freedom and employment protections for journalists in Hong Kong.