Meanwhile, the Chinese government has confirmed the detention of Haze Fan, a Chinese citizen working for Bloomberg News as a news assistant, on suspicion of endangering national security.
“As far as I know, Chinese national Fan is suspected of engaging in criminal activities that endanger the national security of China, and has recently been taken under compulsory measures by the Beijing National Security Bureau according to law,” [Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin] told reporters at a daily briefing.
“The case is currently under investigation in accordance with law,” Wang said. [
The European Union issued a statementcalling on Chinese authorities to release Fan and other journalists who have been detained this year. From the statement:
China Says Bloomberg Journalist s Arrest Internal Matter
KEY POINTS
EU sought the release of all journalists held in China
Fan joins a long list of persecuted journalists in China
China has said a Bloomberg journalist s arrerst was an internal matter and no other country or organization has the right to interfere, hardening its stance in the face of widespread concerns about growing crackdown on media.
The curt response on an official WeChat account followed international appeals for the release of Haze Fan, who was escorted from her apartment by plain-clothes personnel last week. Her detention was confirmed on Thursday.
The Chinese Embassy in the EU said Sunday that Fan was suspected of engaging in criminal activities that endanger China s national security and was taken into compulsory measures by the Beijing State Security Bureau, BBC reported. The case is currently being investigated as per the law and Fan s rights are fully ensured.
China warns of interference over Bloomberg journalist arrest – Voice Of Vienna voiceofvienna.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from voiceofvienna.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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image captionIt s not yet clear why the journalist Haze Fan has been detained.
China has said the arrest of a journalist working for the newswire Bloomberg is an internal affair , warning others not to interfere.
Chinese citizen Haze Fan was detained last week, accused of endangering national security by authorities.
It is the latest in a string of arrests or expulsions of journalists in China.
The European Union (EU) responded by urging China to release all journalists held in connection with their reporting.
In a statement released on Saturday, the EU said it expected Chinese authorities to grant Ms Fan medical assistance if needed, prompt access to a lawyer of her choice, and contacts with her family .
China says journalist arrest is internal affair msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.