Washington, DC — Today, Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks issued the following statement in response to Radio Free Asia’s (RFA) closure of its Hong Kong bureau due to the passage of Hong Kong’s Article 23 law, which furthers thecrackdown on fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. 

“I am deeply concerned to see RFA, a longstanding beacon of independent journalism, forced to shut down its Hong Kong bureau due to the passage of Hong Kong’s draconianArticle 23 law. This law not only represents a significant escalation in efforts by Hong Kong and Beijing authorities to suppress free speech and expression, but it alsounderminesmedia freedom andthe public’s ability to obtain fact-based information aboutevents unfolding in Hong Kong.  

“Since the passage of Hong Kong’s National Security Law in 2020, RFA has been a raresource of independent news coming out of Hong Kong despite facingunrelenting pressure and harassment.The closure of RFA’s bureau in Hong Kong, after 28 years, is a stark reminder of how brazenly Beijing has extinguished Hong Kong’s autonomy.”