Sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong, world: Biden on Apple Daily''s shutdown
Washington [US], June 25 (ANI): When Hong Kong-based newspaper Apple Daily closed its doors after 26 years due to government crackdown, US President Joe Biden on Thursday termed it as a sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong and around the world. In a statement by the White House, the US president noted that through arrests, threats, and forcing through a draconian National Security Law that penalises free speech, Beijing has insisted on wielding its power to suppress independent media and silence dissenting views. "Independent media play an invaluable role in resilient and prosperous societies. Journalists are truth-tellers who hold leaders accountable and keep information flowing freely--and that is needed now more than ever in Hong Kong, and in places around the world where democracy is under threat," he said. He further called on China to stop targeting the independent press and release the journalists and media executives who have been detained, stressing that the act of journalism is not a crime. "People in Hong Kong have the right to freedom of the press.
Sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong, world: Biden on Apple Daily''s shutdown
Washington [US], June 25 (ANI): When Hong Kong-based newspaper Apple Daily closed its doors after 26 years due to government crackdown, US President Joe Biden on Thursday termed it as a sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong and around the world. In a statement by the White House, the US president noted that through arrests, threats, and forcing through a draconian National Security Law that penalises free speech, Beijing has insisted on wielding its power to suppress independent media and silence dissenting views. "Independent media play an invaluable role in resilient and prosperous societies. Journalists are truth-tellers who hold leaders accountable and keep information flowing freely--and that is needed now more than ever in Hong Kong, and in places around the world where democracy is under threat," he said. He further called on China to stop targeting the independent press and release the journalists and media executives who have been detained, stressing that the act of journalism is not a crime. "People in Hong Kong have the right to freedom of the press.