Jimmy Lai’s Apple Daily ran articles critical of authorities for commercial reasons but avoided those promoting Hong Kong independence, criminal acts, court hears

Lai’s legal team says Apple Daily selected articles with common political perspective to accommodate readers but witness Yeung Ching-kee denies outlet’s approach was purely commercial

‘When Mr Lai set a principal stance for Apple Daily, it was like setting a birdcage,’ he says

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Jimmy Lai’s national security trial has entered it’s 43rd day. Photo: Handout.

Published: 5:01pm, 12 Mar 2024

Apple Daily published commentaries critical of Hong Kong authorities for commercial reasons but avoided articles that promoted the city’s independence or criminal acts, founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s legal counsel has said.

Lai’s legal team on Tuesday argued the now-defunct tabloid had selected articles with a common political perspective to accommodate readers out of fear that they would switch to other newspapers if they were not happy with the views expressed.

But former editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee, who was testifying for the prosecution, denied Apple Daily’s approach was purely a commercial decision.

He said the political stance of contributors remained an essential consideration in the newspaper’s forum section.

The final edition of Apple Daily. The court has heard that the now-defunct tabloid published articles critical of the government. Photo: Felix Wong

He also described the extent of the outlet’s editorial freedom as “birdcage autonomy”, a term borrowed from local politics that meant something was being controlled.