Economist Podcasts Stop the presses! Hong Kong’s media crackdown
Jan 5, 2022
In this insightful discussion, Sue Lin Wong, The Economist’s China correspondent, reveals the tightening grip on media freedom in Hong Kong, detailing the shutdown of pro-democracy outlets and the chilling effects of the national security law. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rosenthal, the Africa editor, sheds light on Sudan’s political turmoil post-Abdallah Hamdok, discussing the military's resistance to civilian governance amid ongoing protests. They also touch on the unintended consequences of US sanctions on the saffron trade, showcasing global interconnectedness.
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Hong Kong Media Crackdown
- Citizen News and Stand News, two major independent news outlets in Hong Kong, have shut down.
- This closure, due to the national security law, almost entirely extinguishes the local free press.
Apple Daily's Closure
- Apple Daily, a prominent pro-democracy newspaper, was forced to close, and its founder, Jimmy Lai, was jailed.
- Citizen News became a refuge for journalists from Apple Daily, Cable News, and RTHK.
Government Response and True Rule of Law
- Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, denies the closures are an attack on free speech.
- However, she is seen as following orders from the Chinese Communist Party, prioritizing obedience over true rule of law.