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.
Albanese warns Australia against adopting US-style politics, linking Dutton to Trump amid election discussions on trade.
In Short
Anthony Albanese warns against the influence of US politics, particularly Donald Trump’s divisive style, on Australia.
He expressed the need to maintain Australia’s unique political culture as the nation approaches its election.
Anthony Albanese has made significant comments regarding Donald Trump and the impact of US politics on Australia. The Prime Minister expressed that the division in the US has implications for Liberal leader Peter Dutton.
Mr Trump has suggested he may discuss tariffs with Australia after the upcoming election. Albanese cautioned Australians against adopting US-style politics.
He stated that voters in Australia are not receptive to Trump’s influence or Dutton’s alignment with him.
President Trump acknowledged Australia’s outreach on trade matters.
Open to talk
When asked if he would discuss trade with Mr Albanese, Trump confirmed he would be open to conversation. Albanese reiterated the importance of maintaining Australia’s unique political culture.
He pointed out that Australians perceive the US as a polarized society, which is unhealthy.
In an exclusive interview, Albanese emphasized that Australians do not desire such division in their political landscape. His remarks highlight the contrast between Australian and American political dynamics.
This ongoing dialogue between leaders reflects concerns about the potential importation of divisive politics into Australia.
Albanese’s comments serve as a reminder of the risks associated with political extremism. As Australia heads into its election, the Prime Minister’s warnings could resonate with voters prioritising unity and stability.
Democrats intensify resistance to Trump amid voter dissatisfaction with leadership, planning speeches and protests to showcase opposition efforts.
In Short
Congressional Democrats are under pressure to oppose President Trump as he completes his first 100 days in office, feeling their base is dissatisfied with their efforts.
They are organising events and speeches to highlight their resistance while acknowledging challenges due to their minority status.
Congressional Democrats face significant challenges as President Donald Trump marks his first 100 days in office.
The party is increasingly anxious that base voters feel they are not doing enough to oppose the administration.
In response, Democrats have organised a series of speeches, sit-ins, and events aimed at showing they are actively resisting Trump’s controversial policies.
Senate Democrats plan to keep the floor open late into the evening to deliver speeches critical of what Minority Leader Chuck Schumer describes as “100 days of hell.”
Trump’s agenda
They will gather with House Democrats on the Senate steps to voice their opposition to Trump’s agenda.
Schumer expressed their commitment, stating that they will consistently highlight the differences between Democratic unity and Republican disarray.
He stressed that resistance will come from Democrats, the courts, and the American public as long as Trump pursues what he calls a dangerous path.
Democrats face mounting pressure from voters dissatisfied with their efforts to oppose the president.
Recent polling indicates a significant disapproval of congressional leadership within the Democratic party, with 61% of voters expressing dissatisfaction with Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
With Republicans controlling the White House and Congress, Democrats find it challenging to block administration initiatives.
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin acknowledged the frustration among their supporters but emphasised their commitment to doing their best given their minority status.
Mark Carney’s Liberals projected to win Canadian election, promising economic reform and a robust stance against Trump.
In Short
Canadians are likely to re-elect Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party, aiming to tackle economic challenges and U.S. relations.
Carney’s leadership has gained voter support, positioning him against Conservative rhetoric and focusing on strengthening Canada’s economy and trade ties.
Canadians are projected to retain the Liberal Party under Prime Minister Mark Carney in the recent national elections.
Carney, a former central banker, is expected to address economic challenges and respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims about Canada’s economy.
The Liberals aim for a fourth term, although it is uncertain if they will secure a majority. Carney took over as Prime Minister following Justin Trudeau’s resignation earlier this year.
The Conservatives were leading by over 20 points in January but the political landscape shifted after Trump’s return. Carney positioned himself as the candidate capable of managing relationships with the U.S. and rebuilding Canada’s economy, which heavily depends on American demand.
Leadership skills
Polling data indicated a turning tide for the Liberals, as voters appreciated Carney’s leadership skills. After a conversation with Trump, Carney mentioned plans to discuss a new economic and security agreement post-election.
He plans to increase military investment while maintaining Canadian sovereignty on key issues like resources and language laws.
Carney has emphasised the need to enhance trade ties with Europe and Asia, aiming to reduce barriers within Canada. With his background in finance during critical periods, he aims to bring confidence back to the economy through tax reforms and targeted spending.
Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative rhetoric reportedly alienated some voters, amplifying support for Carney as the viable choice against Trump’s influence.