Six months after the handover of Hong Kong from British rule, Index on Censorship published a special edition: Hong Kong Goes Back. In it various people predicted what the future might hold. Jonathan Mirsky, then East Asia editor of The Times, wrote on how freedom of expression began to crumble in Hong Kong in anticipation of the handover. He described how news channels reported on China in a “vapid or grovelling” manner, democratic politicians spoke of their colleagues no longer wanting to be associated with them and organisations were expected to plan celebrations for the handover. Mirsky predicted a dismal future where loyalty to Beijing would be an overriding expectation.
Twenty-five years later his predictions have sadly been realised. The situation is grave, perhaps even worse than Mirksy's fears. Just how grave? Are there any freedoms left? And what can we, over in the UK, do to help?
A panel of people who all once called Hong Kong home will share their thoughts and experiences. On the panel will be Benedict Rogers, the CEO of Hong Kong Watch, Hong Kong journalist Kris Cheng, Mark Clifford, President of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, Evan Fowler, a writer and researcher on Hong Kong and China, and activist and author Nathan Law. The discussion will be chaired by Index on Censorship's current magazine editor, Jemimah Steinfeld, who has lived in China.
This event is organised in partnership with the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong.
28 May 2021
Letter from Palestine: novelist Abbad Yahya
Palestianian novelist Abbad Yahya speaks about the difficult choices for those living in the West Bank and the effects of censorship
18 Mar 2021
What the Fuck!? Comedian and author Andrew Doyle talks free speech
Index's editorial assistant Benjamin Lynch talks to comedian and author Andrew Doyle about his new book, "Free Speech and Why It Matters". They discuss incitement and his thoughts on why President Donald Trump shouldn't have been removed from Twitter, as well as the state of free speech on the left and right.
Index on Censorship's What the Fuck!? podcast invites politicians, activists, journalists and celebrities to talk about the worst things going on in the world, why you should care and why you should swear.
Contact Index on Censorship magazine podcasts
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Index on Censorship magazine podcasts?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
