Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily has announced the closure of its operation. It is certainly a huge blow for the freedom of the press in the city.
The newspaper company’s offices were raided last week over allegations of a breach of one of the most controversial national security laws that are applicable in Hong Kong.
Background
The police detained the editor-in-chief and five other leaders, as well as the assets of the company had been frozen.
The paper has been a leading critic of the Chinese influence in Hong Kong.
The newspaper company’s day to day management, said that, “due to the security and safety of the workers concerned, They have made the decision to stop work immediately after midnight. The publication of Thursday was it’s final ever printed edition.
‘Blow To Freedom Of Expression’
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said that the newspaper’s closure is a “chilling blow to freedom of expression in Hong Kong”.
The digital version of the 26-year-old newspaper shall also cease to be updated after midnight.
In a separate announcement, it’s publisher expressed thanks and gratitude towards the readers for their loyal support,as well as the journalists, contributors and advertisers.
The tabloid has always been a beacon of freedom for the media in the Chinese-speaking region and the political opponents to appreciated the publication whole-heartedly.
Chinese Authorities
Chinese officials have repeatedly stressed that the freedom of press in Hong Kong is well-respected, but it is not an absolute one.
Ronny Tong, a member of Hong Kong’s government, accused the paper of orchestrating a political stunt in its decision to shut down.
“People around the world probably will accuse the Hong Kong government of forcing Apple Daily to close down. But the fact of the matter is, they don’t need to,” he told the BBC.
