The Society of European Journalists & Communication Professionals in Asia (JOCPA) voiced “deep concern over the silence of authorities and international institutions — including Portugal and the European Union (EU).”
Lisbon and Brussels “have a moral and historical responsibility to uphold the rule of law and fundamental rights, including freedom of the press and expression,” argued JOCPA president Josep Solano, as quoted in a statement.
Macau, which was under Portuguese administration for over 400 years, transitioned to Chinese administration in 1999 under an agreement that stipulated the region should maintain fundamental rights and freedoms, including press freedom, for the first 50 years.
“Press freedom in Macau is also a European concern: defending it means keeping alive the spirit of cooperation, pluralism, and respect for fundamental rights that the EU claims to represent,” added JOCPA.
All About Macau announced on Thursday that it will close due to “increasing pressures,” lack of resources, and legal proceedings in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory against three of its journalists.
“Faced with increasingly scarce resources, growing external pressure, and journalists involved in legal proceedings, the team is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain its standards,” the publication explained, indicating that this month will see the last printed monthly issue, and as of December 20, the website and social media activity will cease.
In a post on Facebook, All About Macau reminded that “since October of last year,” “certain official events have restricted journalists’ participation in their coverage.”
Earlier this year, in April, the publication was again prevented from covering the Legislative Assembly, with three of its journalists “facing charges related to this incident,” which could lead to “criminal proceedings,” the media noted.
On April 17, police detained two journalists from All About Macau for “disturbing the functioning of organs” of the territory while attempting to enter the local parliament’s hall to attend the presentation of the political program for the Administration and Justice area for the year.
The Public Security Police referred the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office on the same day. Also today, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged regional authorities to “cease pursuing” All About Macau and restore the registration of the online newspaper and printed monthly publication.
“The closure of All About Macau is a blow to press freedom and severely undermines the public’s right to independent information. It is a sign of the rapid deterioration of the media environment in Macau,” lamented CPJ Asia Coordinator Beh Lih Yi.
