Hong Kong’s Last Pro-Democracy Newspaper Ceases Operations Amid Crackdown
Hong Kong’s sole remaining pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, published its last edition on Thursday after five editors and executives were arrested and millions of dollars in its assets were frozen under China’s national security law.
The board of directors of Apple Daily parent company Next Media said the print and online editions would cease due to “the current circumstances prevailing in Hong Kong.”
Background
Apple Daily was founded by tycoon Jimmy Lai in 1995 and initially was a tabloid known for celebrity gossip. However, it grew into an outspoken voice for defending Hong Kong’s freedoms not found in mainland China. In recent years, it often criticized the Chinese and Hong Kong governments for limiting those freedoms and reneging on a promise to protect them for 50 years after the handover.
Reason for Closure
The editors and executives were detained on suspicion of colluding with foreigners to endanger national security. Police cited more than 30 articles published by the paper as evidence of a conspiracy to encourage foreign nations to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. The paper also made the decision to close out of concern for employees’ safety.
Reactions
The move drew criticism from the U.S., the EU, and Britain. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “The forced closure by Hong Kong authorities ‘is a chilling demonstration of their campaign to silence all opposition voices.'” German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Adebahr called the closure a “hard blow against press freedom in Hong Kong.”
Consequences
The forced closure of Apple Daily has effectively silenced one of the last remaining voices of opposition in Hong Kong. The city’s authorities have arrested over 100 people under the national security law, and many others have fled abroad.
Conclusion
The closure of Apple Daily marks a significant milestone in the erosion of press freedom and civil liberties in Hong Kong. As the Chinese government continues to exert greater control over the city, it is likely that other independent media outlets will also be targeted.
FAQs
Q: What was the reason for Apple Daily’s closure?
A: The editors and executives were arrested on suspicion of colluding with foreigners to endanger national security. The paper was also forced to close due to concern for employees’ safety.
Q: How many people have been arrested under the national security law?
A: Over 100 people have been arrested under the law, with many others fleeing abroad.
Q: What is the maximum penalty for serious offenses under the national security law?
A: The maximum penalty is life in prison.