Emotions run high as hundreds bid poignant farewell to Hong Kong's Apple Daily

Hong Kong residents rushed in the early hours to snap up copies of the final edition of the newspaper Apple Daily, which was forced to close after 26 years as it become the target of a national security crackdown on June 24, 2021. Emotions ran high as supporters of the popular newspaper, which has faced an unrelenting squeeze since its owner and staunch Beijing critic, Jimmy Lai, was arrested under the national security law in August 2020, queued for their last copies just after midnight.

Hong Kong residents rushed in the early hours of Thursday (June 24) to snap up copies of the final edition of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, forced to end a 26-year run after getting embroiled in a national security crackdown. Credit: Reuters Photo

Queues stretched at newsstands across the city after an emotional final print run at the headquarters of the paper, which was forced to shut after authorities froze its assets in a national security investigation. Credit: AFP Photo

Emotions ran high as supporters of the paper, which has faced an unrelenting squeeze since its owner and staunch Beijing critic, Jimmy Lai, was arrested under the security law in August 2020, queued for their last copies just after midnight. Credit: AFP Photo

Apple Daily employees cheer each other on their last day of their work. Credit: AFP Photo

Apple Daily journalists show the last-edition copies while acknowledging the supporters gathered outside their office in Hong Kong. Credit: AFP Photo

Some staff members also expressed their anger and frustration at the shutdown. Credit: AFP Photo

In anticipation of robust demand for its final print run, Apple Daily, which mixes pro-democracy views with celebrity gossip and investigations of those in power, printed 1 million copies, or more than 10 times its usual print run. Credit: AFP Photo

A worker is seen in the printing room as the last edition of the newspaper is printed in Hong Kong. Credit: AFP Photo

Apple Daily employees are seen busy working in the printing room as the last edition of the newspaper is printed in Hong Kong. The 26-year-old tabloid announced closure after having its assets frozen by the police. Credit: AFP Photo