Hong Kong: CFWIJ condemns the termination of Nabela Qoser from Radio Television Hong Kong

May 4, 2021- Nabela Qoser, a correspondent associated with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), faces persecution in the workplace for her hard-hitting journalism. Reportedly, RTHK will not renew Nabela’s contract because of an ongoing probation period, forcing the journalist to quit by the end of the month. RTHK reopened the investigation against the journalist for her conduct at a government presser in July 2019. During the press conference, the journalist grilled high-ranking police for their delayed response to a mob attack. In January, the journalist was given the option of accepting a four-month short contract or face termination. CFWIJ condemns RTHK for persecuting a journalist for doing her job. We demand that the organization end the probe against Nabela Qoser and allow her to continue working peacefully.

Nabela is known for her rapid-fire questioning of government officials. In July 2019, the journalist made headlines after she probed chief executive Carrie Lam and ex-commissioner Stephen Lo about the delayed police response to a mob attack. She asked the officials if they were able to sleep well that night and if they learned about the incident in the morning. After receiving several complaints, RTHK management initiated a formal review of the journalist's conduct. After the investigation was reopened in September 2020, Nabela’s initial probation period was extended. The journalist was then offered the choice of a 120-day short-term contract or termination. As her contract is ending soon, RTHK has decided not to extend her employment, resulting in Nabela’s termination from the outlet. 

The staff union of RTHK held a peaceful protest to support Nabela in January 2021. The members stood at a distance, keeping COVID-19 SOPs in mind, holding some placards with slogans reading “Twisting the regulations, destroying the system” and “today it is Nabela Qoser, tomorrow it’ll be you, me and them”. 

It is reported that the new director of broadcasting, who took charge in March, has no media background and has started a massive editorial overhaul within the organization. RTHK spokesperson stated that the staff has to be managed in accordance with the established mechanism and procedures. Nabela’s colleagues believe that she is being politically persecuted amid an internal RTHK crackdown. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands with Nabela Qoser during these trying times. We firmly believe that no woman journalist should be intimidated for doing her job. If a journalist cannot ask the authorities about their roles and responsibilities, who will hold the officials accountable for their actions? We urge RTHK to reconsider its position to extend Nabela’s contract and respect her dedication to the profession.