Citizens’ Radio, a pro-democracy radio station in Hong Kong, has ceased operations. The reason behind this is the freezing of its bank account. The bank account was frozen due to the “dangerous” political situation.
There is mounting pressure on media outlets in the city. Citizens’ Radio gained popularity for its hard-hitting talkshows. These talkshows criticized the authorities. The radio station actively supported the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. It was founded in 2005.
The freezing of the radio station’s bank account is just one measure taken by the authorities. They aim to stifle dissent in Hong Kong. Other measures include the implementation of a national security law. Numerous activists have been arrested. Multiple media outlets have been closed.
The closure of Citizens’ Radio represents a setback for media freedom in Hong Kong, highlighting the increasingly repressive environment in the city.
Other media outlets, such as the Apple Daily newspaper, Stand News, and the Initium Media group, have also shut down since the passing of the national security law in 2020, creating a void in Hong Kong’s media landscape and limiting the ability to hold the government accountable.
The closure of Citizens’ Radio serves as a reminder of the obstacles faced by media freedom in Hong Kong, as the authorities exploit the national security law to silence dissent, raising concerns about the impact on freedom of speech in the city.
