EU urges China to free those detained for reporting after Bloomberg employee held
14 December, 2020
EUROPE has urged China to release all journalists and citizens held regarding the their reporting, following the detention of a Bloomberg News employee.
Haze Fan, a good Chinese citizen, was extracted from her home by plain-clothes protection officials previous Monday (Dec 7), Bloomberg said, and Beijing said she have been detained on suspicion of endangering national protection.
"All those arrested and detained regarding the their reporting activity should be immediately released," a great EU spokesperson said found in a statement Saturday.
The statement mentioned that "other Chinese journalists or citizens have disappeared this season, or been detained or harassed after participating in reporting".
"We expect the Chinese authorities to grant her (Fan) medical assistance if needed, prompt access to a legal professional of her decision, and contacts with her spouse and children," it added.
The Chinese foreign ministry said earlier that Fan's case was under investigation.
Bloomberg said it was "very concerned for her" and was continuing to seek more information.
Chinese citizens are forbidden by the federal government from operating as reporters for foreign news organisations on China, but are permitted to are news assistants.
Fan, who joined Bloomberg in 2017, features been credited as a contributor on numerous organization stories.
Her detention comes weeks after China held a good high-profile Chinese-born Australian journalist, citing similar suspicions.
Cheng Lei, a Television anchor in Chinese state-owned outlet CGTN, has not been observed in public since appearing held.
Two other Australian reporters - Bill Birtles and Michael Smith - fled China soon after being interrogated about Cheng.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
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