Taiwan civil rights groups condemn Jimmy Lai's arrest

Civil groups and media representatives in Taiwan united their voices Tuesday morning to condemn a raid by Hong Kong authorities on the Apple Daily newsroom and the arrest of the paper's founder, Jimmy Lai.

Hong Kong police arrested Lai Monday morning in his residence.

At least 200 police descended on the headquarters of Next Digital, which publishes the Apple Daily, and carted away boxes of what they said was evidence a few hours later.

Hong Kong authorities cited collusion with foreign forces when arresting Lai, who met with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in July 2019.

The arrests, along with that of democracy activist Agnes Chow on Monday night, have stoked fears that authorities are using the new law to suppress dissent and free speech.

Sang Pu, a columnist for Apple Daily who now lives in Taiwan said, "Many people on the internet said that even if Apple Daily is blank today, they would still buy a copy. Apple Daily's stock market price soared incredibly high. Why? This is because Hong Kong people's spirit will not die."

The stock market price of Next Digital more than tripled on Monday.

Tseng Chien-yuan, the chairman for New School for Democracy and an academic in Taiwan said, "We are all allies of Hong Kong people. Therefore, we must unite to fight together against this unlawful regime."