Following Apple Daily, Hong Kong's Democratic Media Shuts Down Again... Taiwan Says "One Country, Two Systems Undermined"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen criticized the Hong Kong authorities for once again suppressing democratic media, stating that "the Chinese Communist Party has violated the promise of One Country, Two Systems and oppressed Hong Kong's press freedom."

On the 29th, President Tsai said through Facebook, "I urge friends from around the world and the democratic camp to pay attention to the safety of those arrested and the changes in the Hong Kong situation."

Earlier that day, Hong Kong authorities raided the offices of Stand News, considered a leading democratic media outlet in Hong Kong alongside Apple Daily, and arrested six current and former executives, including the acting editor-in-chief. Stand News announced its closure immediately after the raid and arrests. This came just half a year after Apple Daily shut down in June.

President Tsai stated, "Democratic freedom is a universal value and a fundamental right of the people," adding, "(Media coverage) is a courageous pursuit of democratic freedom, not a crime." She also said, "Taiwan will continue to support Hong Kong and the people of Hong Kong. We hope for the safe release of those arrested."

Founded after the 2014 Umbrella Movement, the nonprofit online media outlet Stand News has represented the pro-democracy camp in Hong Kong alongside Apple Daily. However, following Apple Daily's closure on June 24, Stand News had effectively prepared for government suppression by deleting existing columns and suspending subscriptions and donations.

In response to Stand News' closure, the Hong Kong Journalists Association issued a statement expressing "deep concern over the numerous arrests of journalists and multiple raids on media editorial offices with reporting materials over the past year," and stated, "The government must not infringe on press freedom guaranteed by the Basic Law, Hong Kong's constitutional document."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.