In a statement announcing the award, the World Association of News Publishers called Lai an “outspoken critic of Beijing's control over Hong Kong and a high-profile supporter of the pro-democracy movement.”Įstablished in 1961, the Golden Pen of Freedom is an annual award that recognizes outstanding contributions to the defense and promotion of press freedom.
Sebastien Lai, receiving the award on behalf of his father, said there will be “less and less people shining light in these dark corners” given Apple Daily's shutdown and the ongoing crackdown on journalism in the region. “The jailing of a publisher, the arrest of an editor-in-chief and his senior colleagues, the shuttering of a newsroom, and the closure of a media title - the 2021 Golden Pen award recognises, and reflects on, all of these,” Fernandez said at a virtual ceremony on Wednesday.Īpple Daily was renowned for its acerbic criticism of China's leaders and Beijing made no secret of its desire to see the tabloid silenced. Warren Fernandez, president of the World Editors Forum, said this year's Golden Pen of Freedom award highlighted the “fears and challenges” of journalists who face increasing curbs in Hong Kong, a regional media hub. Lai, the paper's outspoken founder, and multiple senior executives and editors have been detained on “foreign collusion” charges over Apple Daily's support for international sanctions against China.įor the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
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