Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on closure of Hong Kong newspaper, Apple Daily

Statement

June 23, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the announcement of the closure of the Hong Kong newspaper, Apple Daily:

“The forced closure of the newspaper, Apple Daily, as a result of charges under the National Security Law for Hong Kong is a significant blow to freedom of the press and freedom of speech in Hong Kong, and makes it clear that the powers under the National Security Law are being used as a tool to suppress media freedom and punish dissidents.

“These freedoms are universal human rights guaranteed under Hong Kong’s Basic Law, and are in line with international standards.

“Canada is a steadfast supporter of the One Country, Two Systems principle and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy. The ouster of a major media organization under the National Security Law significantly degrades these principles, guaranteed under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.”

Contacts

Syrine Khoury 
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs 
Syrine.Khoury@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office  
Global Affairs Canada 
343-203-7700 
media@international.gc.ca 
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