Hong Kong leader denies media coverage of “extinction” | Freedom of the Press
Journalists face many challenges in China as three independent media outlets have been shut down since the enactment of the security law.
Hong Kong President Carrie Lam has said he will not tolerate the idea of ”freedom of the press” in the city, as the independent media Citizen News closed due to security concerns, days after police raided an independent building that led to allegations of insurgency. government. stick.
“This morning I read a story, because of the closure of online channels, the freedom of the press in Hong Kong is fast approaching …
Citizen News announced its closure on Sunday, citing the “deterioration” of journalists in the former British colony. security concerns for its journalists following last week’s attack on anti-Stand News publications.
Beijing has pledged to respect Hong Kong’s rights, including free press, for at least 50 years since it seized power in 1997, but has been widely accused by Western powers and civil rights groups. destroying democracy and freedom, especially since the enactment of the national security law.
Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing have repeatedly denied the allegations and say security measures have helped to restore order. great demonstrations in support of democracy in 2019.
The closure of Citizen News means that three publications have been shut down since the law was enacted at the end of June 2020.
Famous for democracy Apple Daily closed last year after police raided its offices and arrested senior staff, including founder Jimmy Lai, who has been in prison since December 2020. A 74-year-old Beijing protester is accused of “foreign power” – a violation under a security law – and last week he was arrested on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government under colonial rule.
Two editors at Stand News, an independent online publication, are also accused of plotting to overthrow the government. police assault last week which led to the closure of the stock market. Several other recent and former editors and former board members were arrested, including the famous Cantopop singer Denise Ho.
Security legislation blames what Beijing sees as “secession”, “disruption”, “terrorism”, and “foreign interference in city affairs”.
More than 100 democratically elected members have been detained so far, and many more, including democratically elected politicians, have fled into exile.
Beijing has also changed the electoral system in the region to ensure that only “patriots” are elected to office. New members of the Legislative Council have been sworn in before Monday, following a December election. the number of numbers has dropped significantly.
