Apple Daily ran ‘End of the two systems’ series to reflect founder Jimmy Lai’s views about national security law impact on Hong Kong, court hears
- Prosecutors present three Apple Daily articles published on July 5, 8, and 23, 2020, under the series title as evidence
- Former publisher Cheung Kim-hung says series title was ‘in line with Mr Lai’s belief about the impact of the law’ on the city
A series of articles in the now-closed Hong Kong tabloid Apple Daily ran under the heading “End of the two systems” to reflect founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s views on the impact the Beijing-imposed national security law had on the city, the newspaper’s former publisher told a court on Friday.
The “two systems” refers to Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” governing principle, designed to retain the city’s way of life and guarantee its freedoms as part of the country.
Cheung Kim-hung, Lai’s former top aide turned prosecution witness, also told the court that his ex-boss’ commentaries about the security law focused on showing support for foreign sanctions on Beijing, to prevent further clamping down on human rights and democracy in Hong Kong.
The 22nd day of the high-profile national security trial continued with Cheung, the first accomplice prosecution witness, appearing in court to testify against his 76-year-old former employer.
Re-examining Cheung, prosecutors on Friday presented three Apple Daily articles published on July 5, 8 and 23, 2020. The news reports were under a series about the national security law, which took effect on June 30, and all carried the title “End of the two systems” as the header.
“Who decided the name of the series?” Mr Justice Alex Lee Wan-tang asked.
“On the day the national security law took effect, this phrase also appeared on the front page of the newspaper,” Cheung told the court.