Many current or former senior officials of "Stance News" were arrested by the Hong Kong Police National Security Office on December 29, and the company's assets were also frozen.
"Position News" subsequently announced that it would cease operations immediately, and the website and social platform pages had been closed.
The incident once again aroused the attention of the international community to the situation in Hong Kong, and the United Nations and the European Union expressed their worries.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Special Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong said that in response to the spokesperson of the European Union’s External Action Agency, the spokesperson of the European Union’s External Action Agency has turned right and wrong, blatantly spread bad words, wantonly slandered Hong Kong’s rule of law and freedom, and tried to obstruct the SAR police’s law enforcement in accordance with the law, and openly shielded anti-China chaos in Hong Kong. Strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.
The United Nations Human Rights Office issued a statement saying that it was shocked by the Hong Kong government's continued suppression of civil space, including the arrest of 6 "Stance News" personnel, saying that everyone has witnessed a sharp reduction in the space for free expression of civil society in Hong Kong.
The office reiterated that Hong Kong is bound by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and therefore has a legal responsibility to respect the freedom of information, speech and assembly, and to ensure due process.
EU Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Peter Stano said that the incident reflected further damage to the freedom of the media in Hong Kong, saying that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are the core principles of the Basic Law and "One Country, Two Systems", and that freedom of the press is equivalent to these rights and The key to freedom.
The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that after the implementation of the "National Security Act" in Hong Kong, the authorities continued to erode Hong Kong's diversity, speech and press freedom, and emphasized that critical news should not be viewed with general suspicion.
In Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen posted on Facebook, saying that it was regrettable that the Chinese Communist Party once again tore up the promise of one country, two systems and once again suppressed freedom of speech in Hong Kong.
She believes that democracy and freedom are universal values and the basic rights of the people. The process of bravely pursuing democracy and freedom is not a crime and should not be treated improperly.
She said that Taiwan will continue to firmly support Hong Kong and Hong Kong people, and hope that those arrested today will be released safely as soon as possible.
Search Position News｜The website and FB page will be closed from 11pm and post black bulletin Search Position News｜Position Suspension Report Association: I am heartbroken and will do our best to help the police defend the freedom of the press. Announce the immediate suspension and layoff of all employees
