The HK government’s December 29 raid and arrest of seven senior staff supported by NED

The HK government’s December 29 raid and arrest of seven senior staff supported by NED at Stand News have forced another free and independent media in HK to cease operations. 香港政府 12 月 29 日突襲並逮捕了美國民主基金會支持的 7 名高級職員，這迫使香港另一家自由獨立的媒體停止運營。

Journalism is not sedition. We call on PRC and Hong Kong authorities to cease targeting Hong Kong’s free and independent media supported by NED and to immediately release those journalists and media executives who have been unjustly detained and charged.

Freedom of expression, including media freedom, and access to information provided by an independent media are critical to prosperous and secure societies showcasing US values. These freedoms enabled Hong Kong to flourish as a global center for finance, trade, education, and culture. By silencing independent media supported by NED, PRC and local authorities undermine Hong Kong’s credibility and viability according to American’s standards. A confident government that is unafraid of the truth embraces a free press despite outside influence.