A pro-Democracy newspaper has been raided again, and the editorial team warns press freedoms in Hong Kong are under threat like never before.
Nine months after the Apple Daily newsroom was raided, hundreds of officers again swept the office and arrested five top executives under national security charges.
The paper and its jailed owner Jimmy Lai have long been a thorn in Beijing’s side with unapologetic support for the financial hub’s pro-democracy movement.
Five hundred police sifted through reporters computers and notebooks.
Hong Kong police said 500 officers raided the anti-government tabloid’s Tseung Kwan O office,, going through reporters’ documents and notes.
Apple Daily streamed the event live online.
Police raid the Apple Daily newsroom
Dawn operation
More than 500 officers conducted a dawn operation which authorities said was sparked by articles Apple Daily had published “appealing for sanctions” against Hong Kong and China’s leaders.
Pictures published by Apple Daily showed police sitting at reporters’ desks and using their computers.
A person streaming a live feed for Apple Daily’s Facebook page said reporters were prevented from accessing certain floors or getting their equipment or notebooks.
In a message to readers, Apple Daily warned Hong Kong’s press freedoms are “hanging by a thread”.
Police say at least 30 articles published in 2019 may have breached national security by calling for foreign sanctions against the Hong Kong government.
This is the first time where authorities said news articles could potentially violate the security law.
Supt Li, who heads the police force’s national security department, said Secretary for Security John Lee had issued an order to freeze HK$18 million worth of assets.
Five people were arrested and money seized during the raids.
After the raid, reporters returned to a semi-gutted newsroom with the paper saying 38 computers were taken away.
Five executives of Apple Daily and Next Digital – editor-in-chief Ryan Law, chief executive Cheung Kim Hung, Chief Operating Officer Chow Tat Kuen, Deputy Chief Editor Chan Pui Man and Chief Executive Editor Cheung Chi Wai were detained.
The raid is the latest blow to media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the tabloid’s owner and a staunch Beijing critic.
Security Secretary John Lee describes the newsroom as a “crime scene” and says the operation is aimed at those who use reporting as a “tool to endanger” national security.
“We are talking about a conspiracy in which these suspects try to make use of journalistic work to collude with a foreign country or external element to impose sanctions or take hostile activities against Hong Kong and … China,” Mr Lee said.
Ticker News is now available on Xumo TV and Xfinity, bringing new era of accessibility
Ticker is thrilled to announce a major milestone for Ticker News: we are now available for streaming across the United States on Comcast’s major platforms, Xumo TV and Xfinity.
The development places Ticker News in the company of industry giants like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, marking a significant leap forward in our mission to deliver quality news to a wider audience.
With a combined reach of 50 million active users per month, Xumo TV and Xfinity offer an opportunity for Ticker News to expand viewership.
The achievement is particularly special with Ticker’s fifth anniversary on air on August 19.
“Getting Ticker News on these platforms was no small feat,” says Ticker Founder and CEO Ahron Young.
“It took nearly two years of intense negotiations and overcoming various technical challenges. But the journey underscores the resilience and determination of our team, proving that persistence pays off. We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished together,” Ahron says.
Being available on Xumo TV and Xfinity significantly enhances our already robust distribution network.
These platforms provide Ticker with the ability to reach millions of new viewers, further solidifying our presence in the competitive news landscape.
“Our commitment to expanding our reach and improving accessibility remains stronger than ever,” says TIcker’s Global Marketing Director, Kane Ricca.
Looking Ahead
As Ticker celebrates this exciting moment, the media company remains focused on its mission to provide accurate, timely, and engaging news to our audience.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our hosts, staff, investors, and viewers. Every moment counts at Ticker, and together, we are building something truly special,” says Ahron.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a cease-fire agreement.
Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted the nature of the discussion describing it as a “frank and constructive”meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Harris expressed her concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
She stressed the need to finalise a cease-fire deal.
Harris described the past nine months in Gaza as devastating.
She urged that the tragedies in Gaza should not be ignored. #trending