In Mong Kok, Hong Kong, residents lined up in the early morning of the 24th to purchase the final edition of the pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily. Founded 26 years ago, Apple Daily ceased publication on this day, six days before the first anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden openly criticized the Chinese government, calling the closure of Hong Kong's anti-China media outlet Apple Daily "a sad day for press freedom in Hong Kong and around the world."
In a statement released on the 24th (local time), President Biden emphasized, "China's increased repression has reached the level of shutting down Apple Daily."
He stated, "Independent media perform a valuable role in a resilient and prosperous society," and urged, "China must stop targeting independent media and release detained journalists and executives."
President Biden continued, "Reporting is not a crime. The people of Hong Kong have the right to press freedom," adding, "China is denying fundamental freedoms and attacking Hong Kong's autonomy and democratic institutions. The United States will steadfastly support the people of Hong Kong."
He also criticized, "The Chinese government has exercised power to suppress independent media and silence dissent through arrests and threats under the Hong Kong National Security Law, as well as violations of press freedom."
Apple Daily published its final newspaper on the 24th local time and ceased operations. On the 17th, Hong Kong police raided Apple Daily's headquarters, seized assets, and arrested the editor-in-chief and others.
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