A Hong Kong court found a journalist guilty on Thursday of making false statements to obtain data for a documentary on the police handling of a mob attack on pro-democracy protesters, reporters and bystanders in 2019.

The case has fuelled concern over a crackdown on press freedom in the Chinese-ruled city, which has become increasingly authoritarian after a sweeping national security law imposed last year.

Bao Choy, 37, an award-winning freelance producer with public broadcaster RTHK, was arrested last year over vehicle registrations she had used for her investigation.

“The regulations are not intended to allow the public to obtain vehicle particulars without limitations,” said the judge, Ivy Chui, who ordered Choy to pay a fine of HK$6,000 ($773) for violating a road traffic ordinance.

“The goal was to find the car owner’s name and address for an interview,” added Chui, a judge of the West Kowloon magistrates’ court in the Asian financial hub. “Interviewing and reporting are not related to traffic and transport purposes.”

Choy had pleaded not guilty. Supporters outside the court held banners reading “Journalism is not a crime”.