Joint Statement from 24 Countries: We Are Deeply Concerned About 'Suppression of Media Freedom' in Hong Kong

Member countries of the 'Media Freedom Coalition' expressed their deep concern in a joint statement regarding the ongoing attacks by Hong Kong and Chinese authorities on press freedom and the suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the closure of the news website 'Stand News'. The U.S. State Department published the text of the joint statement from 24 members of the 'Media Freedom Coalition', including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The 'Media Freedom Coalition' stated in its joint statement: 'Media in Hong Kong have intensified self-censorship since the implementation of the National Security Law on June 30, 2020. Legal actions against media personnel have increased following the enactment of this law.' The member countries of this coalition referred to the joint statement from China and the UK, in which Beijing committed to the independence of Hong Kong and the rights and freedoms of its people. Since the handover of Hong Kong to China by the UK in 1997, London has published two reports annually regarding Hong Kong's progress under this joint statement. The London report following the implementation of China's National Security Law in Hong Kong stated: 'The National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing continues to undermine the rights of the city's residents.' The U.S. State Department also described Beijing's actions under the National Security Law, including the suppression of media freedom and civil society groups, as a direct threat to U.S. interests in Hong Kong. This joint statement also highlighted the prosecution of journalists, including those from the online news site 'Stand News' and publishers like Jimmy Lai, founder of 'Apple Daily', stating that these actions create a terrifying impact on others in the press and media. On December 29, 2021, amid the increasing suppression of news media in Hong Kong, security forces raided 'Stand News', arresting senior staff and blocking its assets. Previously, 'Apple Daily', the only pro-democracy newspaper in Hong Kong, was targeted by police on June 24, 2021, with five editors and its executive director arrested, and millions of dollars of its assets blocked. The 'Media Freedom Coalition' statement called on Hong Kong and Chinese officials to adhere to international human rights commitments and legal obligations, and to respect Hong Kong's autonomy and universal rights and freedoms. In conclusion, the statement emphasized the commitment of member countries of this coalition to defend media freedom and freedom of expression, stating: 'They will continue to defend those who have been targeted solely for exercising their human rights.'