Apple Daily: Hong Kong bids emotional farewell to pro-democracy paper

Thousands across Hong Kong rushed to snap up the final edition of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, which closed its doors after 26 years.

Overnight, hundreds braved heavy rain, gathering outside its offices where a million copies were being printed.

The publication decided to shut down after its reports were accused of breaching a national security law, leading to a freeze on company assets.

The closure is seen as a blow to press freedom under the pressure of Beijing.

In the early hours of the morning, news stands across the city saw long snaking queues with people eagerly hoping to pick up the very last copy of the paper. By 10:00 local time, multiple vendors had sold out, according to social media posts.

The final edition was a tribute to its readers with the headline: "Hong Kongers bid a painful farewell in the rain".

"I think it's the end of an era," supporter San Tsang told news agency Reuters as she was waiting in line. "I don't understand why [Hong Kong] can't even tolerate a newspaper."

"I want to support it till the end," Amma Yeung said. "The newspaper has accompanied society for so many years. After this, we will weather the storm."