Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily will be forced to shut “in a matter of days” after authorities froze the company’s assets under a national security law, an adviser to jailed owner Jimmy Lai says.
According to reports, Friday will be the last day for the 26-year-old newspaper.
Media advocacy groups say that the closure of Apple Daily would undermine the former British colony’s reputation as an open and free society and send a warning to other companies that could be accused of colluding with a foreign country.
The publisher’s head company Next Digital will hold a board meeting on Monday to discuss how to move forward after its lines of credit were frozen.
“We must press on”: news raid sends “shockwaves” through Hong-Kong
Following raids on a Hong Kong newsroom last week, a journalist based in the city-state says it has sent “shockwaves” through the entire industry.
500 Hong Kong police offices raided Apple Daily to arrest a number of top executives and seize documents over allegations the publisher breached national security laws.
Elaine Yu from the Wall Street Journal says the incident “raises important new questions about how media outlets can report on topics that are now considered highly sensitive.”
The behaviour of the individuals is said to have breached legislation that prohibits sedition, secession and subversion against Beijing.
The assistant to Apple Daily’s chairman says operations at the newsroom are limited because Hong Kong authorities have seized many of the company’s accounts.
He also says “it’ll get harder for reporters to get people to talk to them because the police can now potentially seize reporter’s files and devices through a court warrant.”
Sold out news stands with “we must press on” printed on front page
“We must press on”… that was the message on the front page of Apple Daily, that people in hong kong queued up for.
Many Hong Kong locals have have queued up to buy copies of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily… a day after its newsroom was raided by police.
The paper typically prints about 80,000 copies but increased that to 500,000 to meet demand.. and some news stands sold out.
A total of five executives were arrested including the Editor-in-chief and chief executive officer.
Update: HK police raid Apple Daily
5 executives were taken away, including Editor-in-Chief Ryan Law and #NextDigital CEO Cheung Kim-hung.
Officers were seen accessing journalists' computers, and all employees were barred from returning to their seats to work.#AppleDailyENGpic.twitter.com/45nsFWmCfE
— Apple Daily HK 蘋果日報 (@appledaily_hk) June 17, 2021
Police made the arrests on suspicion of collusion with a “foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security”.
200 Hong Kong police officers arrested five senior executives. Image: Apple Daily.
Meanwhile, this is the second time that police have searched the building.
The company’s founder Jimmy Lai, was recently arrested for national security violations.
Mr Lai is currently serving a 20-month prison sentence.
In Short:
– Hamas called Trump a racist but believes he may help facilitate peace with Israel.
– Ongoing negotiations are uncertain, with Hamas optimistic despite lacking formal guarantees.
Hamas has called Donald Trump a racist and a “recipe for chaos.” However, a phone call from Trump convinced Hamas that he might facilitate a peace deal with Israel, even if they surrender their hostages.
Under the agreement, which began on Friday, Hamas will release hostages without a commitment from Israel to withdraw. This decision is seen as precarious, with fears that hostilities may resume post-release, similar to events following a previous ceasefire.
During indirect negotiations, Trump’s involvement reportedly reassured Hamas leaders, bolstering their confidence in a lasting ceasefire.
Future Uncertain
Negotiations continue over details such as the timetable for Israeli troop withdrawal.
The mediating role of Qatar and Turkey has been pivotal, alongside U.S. participation, in moving discussions forward.
Hamas has shifted its stance on hostage retention, viewing it as detrimental to global support for their cause. Nonetheless, they received no formal guarantees regarding the progression towards a more comprehensive agreement to end the conflict.
Despite awareness of the risks involved in their gamble, Hamas leaders seem optimistic about ongoing talks, with pressures from mediators fostering a sense of seriousness in negotiations from both sides.
Trump’s anticipated visit to the region is expected to reinforce these developments, even as complexities remain in finalising the terms of the deal.
In Short:
– Trump plans a 100% tariff on China from November 1, sparking stock declines and heightening tensions.
– U.S.-China relations are strained, with potential severe impacts on U.S. industries due to export restrictions.
President Trump announced plans to impose a 100% additional tariff on China effective November 1, along with new export controls on crucial software products.
The decision follows China’s recent restrictions on rare-earth minerals, essential for industries like semiconductors and electric vehicles. Trump expressed disbelief over China’s actions, which have escalated tensions that had ostensibly improved after months of trade negotiations.
The tariff announcement sparked a significant drop in U.S. stocks, marking the worst day for the S&P 500 since April.
While some administration officials advocate restarting trade talks from scratch, there is a looming opportunity for both countries to negotiate before the tariffs take effect. Trump left room for negotiations, suggesting the timeline could allow for de-escalation.
Export Controls
The conflict between the U.S. and China underscores the volatile relationship between the two major economies. Beijing’s decision to tighten export controls aims to leverage its position and weaken Trump’s negotiating stance.
The U.S. government is evaluating additional countermeasures and sanctions in response. Observers note that while both countries have expressed a desire for dialogue, securing an enduring agreement has proven challenging, with past resolutions quickly unraveling.
The potential implications of these export restrictions could be severe for various U.S. industries. Firms have warned about significant production halts if they cannot access critical rare-earth elements from China. Analysts suggest that the situation could compel both sides to reconsider their positions to prevent further economic fallout.
Israel and Hamas agree to release hostages in U.S.-brokered deal, marking a potential turning point in Gaza conflict.
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages under a U.S.-brokered framework. The deal pairs prisoner exchanges with an Israeli troop pullback and expanded aid access, marking a potential turning point in the two-year Gaza conflict.
The agreement, set for approval by Israel’s cabinet, could pave the way for lasting peace if both sides uphold the terms. It follows weeks of negotiations led by U.S. envoys and regional mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye.
As international agencies prepare to facilitate aid and logistics, the world watches to see whether this fragile deal can hold and bring relief to millions affected by the war.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker