On the morning of June 17, the National Security Division of the Hong Kong Police Force arrested Zhang Jianhong, Chief Executive Officer of Next Media, and Zhou Daquan, Chief Operating Officer, and Apple Daily on suspicion of violating Article 29 of the Hong Kong National Security Law "conspiracy to collude with foreign or foreign forces to endanger national security." Editor-in-chief Luo Weiguang, vice president Chen Peimin, and "Apple News" platform director Zhang Zhiwei and other five people, and frozen "Apple Daily" and other three related companies' assets of 18 million yuan.
Li Jiachao, Secretary of the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, said in a meeting with the media that national security is a top priority. Crimes that endanger national security are extremely serious and can be sentenced to life imprisonment. Any work must be carried out in compliance with the law, including the Hong Kong National Security Law.
He emphasized that any person or company that attempts to use journalism as an umbrella to engage in crimes endangering national security will definitely be cracked down by the SAR government with the most severe measures in accordance with the law.
Li Jiachao pointed out that the police are currently actively investigating, emphasizing that they will investigate anyone, including "Apple Daily", whether anyone inside or outside the company participates in, assists, abets, or finances crimes that endanger national security. Investigate to the end.
He pointed out that this operation has nothing to do with normal journalistic work. It is aimed at suspected use of journalistic work as a tool to commit acts that endanger national security, which is different from ordinary journalists.
Li Jiachao continued that the frozen property is property related to crimes endangering national security and the property of suspected criminals, which is different from the legal property of law-abiding citizens.
He solemnly declared that he should not go with criminals who endanger national security, and that being with them will only pay a heavy price. He emphasized that he should "cut" with criminals so as not to regret it.
(Reporter Fan Siyi produced Li Jiali)
Editor in charge: [Li Yuxin]