Hong Kong's security chief, John Lee, accused the five Apple Daily directors arrested on Thursday of using 'journalistic work as a tool to endanger national security'.

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Lee said the five were arrested on suspicion of collusion with foreign countries or external elements to invite sanctions or other hostile activities. In a significant escalation in the government’s moves to reign in the Hong Kong press, Apple Daily's newsroom and offices were searched and HK$18m (US $2.3m) in assets frozen

Hong Kong police arrest editor-in-chief of Apple Daily newspaper in raids ► https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/17/hong-kong-police-arrest-editor-in-chief-of-apple-daily-newspaper-in-morning-raids

‘No political story allowed’: Hong Kong broadcaster falls silent on sensitive subjects ► https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/02/no-political-story-allowed-hong-kong-broadcaster-falls-silent-on-sensitive-subjects

Controversial Hong Kong national security law comes into effect ► https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/30/controversial-hong-kong-national-security-law-comes-into-effect

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