NUJ condemns raid and arrests in Hong Kong
The union today has condemned the actions of Hong Kong’s national security police and offered full solidarity to journalists and media workers in Hong Kong following the newspaper raid and arrests at Apple Daily.
Around 500 police officers were involved in the office raid, which saw the editor-in-chief and four other executives arrested alongside an asset freeze.
The authorities claimed the action was linked to national security and the warrant "covered the power of searching and seizure of journalistic materials".
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said:
"This is an outrageous act. Governments all over the world use the pretence of national security legislation to clampdown on media freedom and go after journalists and their sources or material, and that’s what’s happening in Hong Kong right now with these attempts to criminalise journalism and freedom of expression. Journalists across the UK and Ireland offer our wholehearted support and solidarity to our colleagues in Hong Kong, and commend their bravery in operating in ever worsening conditions."
In a statement the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said:
“This is an outrageous attack on a voice for independence and democracy in Hong Kong and follows a sustained campaign of intimidation against Apple Daily since the National Security Law was imposed upon the people of Hong Kong. The excessive show of force by Hong Kong police in descending on Apple Daily’s operations is a disturbing development and shows the great lengths to which authorities are prepared to silence critical reporting in Hong Kong. This attack defies all international human rights principles and represents a dire low point in its Hong Kong’s media history. Journalism is not a crime.”