The rally on January 15, 2022, was staged nearly three weeks after the shutdown of the now-defunct Stand News. Protesters marched to the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office to deliver letters in support of press freedom.

The online media outlet was raided by national security police on December 29, 2021, when its assets were frozen and seven people connected with the publication were arrested for allegedly publishing seditious material and stirring up hatred against the government.

Stand News’ branch in Britain was also shut down after Hong Kong police questioned the need for its existence overseas when the portal’s work was focused on the city.