Media Freedom Coalition statement on closure of media outlets in Hong Kong

The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition express their deepconcern at the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom ofthe press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.

Recent developments include the raid of Stand News offices, the arrests of its staff, andthe subsequent self-closure of Citizen News, stemming from concern over the safety ofits staff. Since the enactment of the National Security Law in June 2020, authorities havetargeted and suppressed independent media in the Hong Kong Special AdministrativeRegion. This has eroded the protected rights and freedoms set out in the Basic Law andundermines China’s obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration. This has alsocaused the near-complete disappearance of local independent media outlets in HongKong. These ongoing actions further undermine confidence in Hong Kong’s internationalreputation through the suppression of human rights, freedom of speech and free flow andexchange of opinions and information.

A stable and prosperous Hong Kong in which human rights and fundamental freedomsare protected should be in everybody’s interest. We urge Hong Kong and mainlandChinese authorities to respect freedom of the press and freedom of speech in HongKong, in line with the Basic Law and China’s obligations under the Sino-British JointDeclaration.

Co-signatures: