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Why are Hong Kong journalists and media groups being targeted with unwarranted tax audits?

Hong Kong Journalists Targeted by Unwarranted Tax Audits Amid Press Freedom Crackdown

Hong Kong’s press freedom is under serious threat. At least 20 journalists, media heads, and their families are facing backdated tax audits from the city’s tax department — many without real evidence.

The Inland Revenue Department is accusing some of failing to report income years ago, even asking for taxes on companies that didn’t exist or before they were even founded! Sounds fishy, right?

Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, says this is putting huge pressure on the media, making it hard for journalists to do their jobs or even keep their outlets running.

This is all happening after the 2019 protests and the government crackdown that forced big outlets like Apple Daily and Stand News to shut down. Journalists face arrests, sedition charges, and worse.

Hong Kong’s press freedom ranking has dropped dramatically, and these tax audits feel like another way to silence the media.

Want to know more about this? Check out the full story here: 👉 Some Hong Kong reporters, news outlets targeted by unwarranted tax audits, media group says

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Elon Musk says he will cut back on political spending after heavily backing Trump in 2024

Washington, May 20 (AP) – Elon Musk, the richest person in the world and a key financial supporter of President Donald Trump, said Tuesday that he’ll be spending less on political campaigns.

His decision, disclosed via videoconference during a Bloomberg forum in Doha, Qatar, could be a setback for Republicans before next year’s midterm elections. It also suggests possible disenchantment with politics after his turbulent experience with the Department of Government Efficiency, which has fallen short of its goals for reducing federal spending.

“I’m going to do a lot less in the future,” Musk said. Asked why, he responded, “I think I’ve done enough.”

Musk spent at least $250 million supporting Trump in the presidential campaign, as the main contributor to America PAC, a super PAC active in advertising and door-to-door canvassing across seven highly competitive states in the November election. Musk even headlined some of his own campaign rallies.

While taking credit for helping Trump return to the White House, Musk, through America PAC, also became deeply involved in a Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign in March.

Musk contributed more than $21 million to America PAC and a related group, Rebuilding America’s Future, backing the Republican candidate, who ultimately lost the seat on the state’s high court. (AP) SCY

🔗 Read the full article here: https://swadesi.com/elon-musk-says-he-will-cut-back-on-political-spending-after-heavily-backing-trump-in-2024/

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WHO Chief Defends $2.1B Budget After US Cuts, Compares It to War Costs

After the US stopped funding, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom urged support for its $2.1B annual budget, calling it modest compared to global military and tobacco ad spend. “It’s equal to 8 hours of military expenses or one stealth bomber,” he said. Due to funding cuts, WHO faces a $1.7B gap, affecting work in 150 countries. A proposed “pandemic treaty” aims to ensure fair vaccine access, but lacks enforcement and US support. Critics accuse WHO of overreach, while internal restructuring is ongoing. Tedros calls the budget essential for global health efforts.

After US cuts funding, WHO chief defends USD 2.1 billion budget request by comparing it with cost of war - Swadesi

After nearly 80 years of striving to improve human lives and health –- which critics say it has done poorly or not enough -- the UN health a