The Hong Kong Apple Daily

The Hong Kong Apple Daily

Apple Daily Newspaper - Hong Kong ()

Origins: The Hong Kong Apple Daily

Apple Daily was a major pro-democracy newspaper founded in Hong Kong in 1995 by media tycoon Jimmy Lai. It became one of the most popular Chinese-language publications, known for its bold investigative journalism, colorful style, and strong stance in support of democratic values and human rights.

The Shutdown (June 2021)

In 2020-2021, following the implementation of Hong Kong’s National Security Law, Apple Daily became a primary target of the authorities:
  • June 17, 2021: Hong Kong police raided the newsroom, arrested executives including Jimmy Lai, and froze company assets
  • June 23, 2021: The paper published its final edition after 26 years
  • The shutdown was widely seen as the death of press freedom in Hong Kong under Beijing’s tightening control

The UK Rebirth: appledaily.UK

appledaily.UK represents the continuation of this legacy:
  • Founded: By exiled Hong Kong journalists and staff who fled to the UK
  • Based in: London, operating as an independent digital news organization
  • Mission: To continue reporting on Hong Kong affairs, China politics, and issues affecting the diaspora community—freedoms impossible to exercise from within Hong Kong
  • Language: Primarily Chinese-language content serving the global diaspora

Significance

The UK operation embodies the exile media phenomenon—journalists continuing their work from democratic countries after being forced out of their homeland. It maintains the Apple Daily brand and spirit while operating under UK press freedom protections.
The publication serves Hong Kongers who have emigrated (especially after the 2019 protests and security law), providing news they can no longer safely access or produce within Hong Kong itself.

Originally posted 2026-03-07 03:42:17.

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