Hong Kong’s pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily will stop operating on Thursday

The tabloid’s parent company, Next Digital said confirmed the news after national security police arrested another employee of the troubled newspaper.

The recent events bring the 26 year operations of the popular tabloid to a close.

Apple Daily is popular within Hong Kong. The newspaper, which mixes pro-democracy discourse with racy celebrity gossip and investigations of those in power, has escalated alarm over media freedom and other rights in the Chinese-ruled city.

In a statement on its website, Next Digital stated that the decision to close the newspaper, which employs about 600 journalists, was taken “due to the current circumstances prevailing in Hong Kong.”

Last weeek authorities in Hong Kong froze assets of companies linked to the newspaper and arrested five executives.

On Wednesday, it arrested a columnist on suspicion of conspiring to collude with a foreign country or foreign forces.

Authorities have revealed their concern over dozens of Apple Daily pieces that may have violated the security law, the first instance of authorities taking aim at media articles under the legislation.

There has now been an outcry from rights groups, media organisations and Western governments, who have criticised last week’s raid of the Apple Daily newsroom. Those who state press freedom has been violated.

The Apple Daily has come under increasing pressure following the arrest of its since tycoon owner and Beijing critic, Jimmy Lai.