Instant International
Written by: Li Xiukun
2021-06-18 02:56
Last update date: 2021-06-18 02:57
The National Security Department of the Hong Kong police arrested five directors and senior officials of Next Media Group on June 17 and searched the "Apple Daily" building with a court warrant. Following the United Kingdom and the European Union, the United States also criticized the arrest.
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that Washington strongly condemned the arrest and requested immediate release.
He also pointed out that the United States is very worried about the Hong Kong government's selective use of the National Security Law to arbitrarily target independent media organizations.
He pointed out that the five people charged for "conspiracy to collude with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security" seemed entirely politically motivated.
Nabila Massrali, spokesperson for EU foreign affairs and security policy, said in a statement that the search operation further demonstrates how the National Security Law has been used to stifle freedom of the press and freedom of expression in Hong Kong.
She also pointed out that "all the existing rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents must be fully protected, including freedom of the press and the press."
British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab (Dominic Raab) Lan Taowen posted on Twitter that the search and arrest in Hong Kong’s Apple Daily today demonstrated Beijing’s use of national security laws to target dissident voices rather than respond to public safety.
He emphasized that press freedom is one of the rights that China promised to guarantee in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and should be respected.
The Hong Kong Police National Security Department arrested five Next Media Group directors and senior executives on June 17 on suspicion of violating Article 29 of the "Minato National Security Act" "conspiracy to collude with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security."
The Liaison Office later issued a statement stating that it firmly supports the just actions of the SAR government and the police in strict law enforcement and all efforts to safeguard national security and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It also pointed out that freedom of the press is not a "shield" for illegal activities.
US-Europe Summit｜The United States and the European Union agree to cooperate on a number of issues including China, Hong Kong and Russia
The G7 Summit Communiqué Urges China to Respect Human Rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong
Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law｜Smoker: Create a coercive atmosphere threatens Hong Kong’s status as an international business center
Russia Day│Interview with Consul General in Hong Kong: Hong Kong is "a city full of contrasts"
U.S. Apple Daily One Media