Esther Toh Lye-ping

The latest news and top stories on Esther Toh Lye-ping. A Madam Justice of the High Court of Hong Kong, she is a designated judge for national security law cases. Born in Singapore, she was called to the English and Hong Kong Bars in the mid-1970s, entering private practice before becoming a District Judge in 1997. Elevated to the Court of First Instance in 2012, her work involves presiding over high-profile national security trials, notably Jimmy Lai Chee-ying's. She has made significant bail rulings and was part of the panel for Hong Kong's first national security law verdict, showcasing expertise in this complex legal area.

Esther Toh Lye-ping

Hong Kong seeks to seize HK$56.5 million, 17 companies from jailed Jimmy Lai

Secretary for justice has applied to the High Court to seize Lai’s assets linked to national security offences.

Ex-media boss Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years under national security law

Jimmy Lai to be sentenced on Monday in Hong Kong national security trial

Former Hong Kong Apple Daily executive ‘regrets’ not standing up to Jimmy Lai

Lawyer for ex-associate publisher of defunct tabloid cites client’s objection to Lai’s idea for satirical online show and praise from industry peers.

Judges question Jimmy Lai’s bid for lighter sentence, citing stable health

High Court justices begin hearing arguments on length of sentences to be handed down to Apple Daily founder and eight others.

Jimmy Lai may complete non-national security jail terms by June: prosecutor

Prosecutor says with one-third guilty plea discount factored in, Lai may finish sentences for four other criminal cases on June 11.

Jimmy Lai’s ‘rabid hatred’ of party led him down ‘thorny path’: Hong Kong court

Judges find former media boss guilty of national security offences, dismissing his ‘inconsistent, contradictory and unreliable’ testimony.

Jimmy Lai’s lawyers ask Hong Kong judges to discard testimony of ‘serial liar’

Defence team takes aim at defendant turned prosecution witness Wayland Chan over testimony that Lai directed lobbying group to seek sanctions.

Media misled Hong Kong public on extradition bill, judge in Jimmy Lai trial says

Court rejects contention that Apple Daily was promoting discourse, after defence seeks to justify negative portrayal of legal amendment.

Jimmy Lai trial: judge questions defence’s understanding of Hong Kong security law

Lai’s legal team argues strict literal reading of national security law prohibits sanction calls against authorities, not individual officials.

Jimmy Lai trial: Hong Kong judge dismisses freedom of expression defence

Madam Justice Esther Toh says fundamental rights have their limits, citing crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protests in UK and US.

Hong Kong judges, Jimmy Lai’s lawyers lock horns over ‘armchair punditry’

Lai’s lawyers and three trial judges find themselves again entangled in debate on interpretation of former media boss’ remarks.

Hong Kong court challenges Jimmy Lai’s rights claims in national security trial

Judge says opposing government is not wrong, but using ‘nefarious means’ to hurt Hong Kong is criminal.

Jimmy Lai used false Beijing portrayal to urge West to act, Hong Kong court hears

Prosecution says Apple Daily tabloid founder used interviews and commentaries to fabricate image of Beijing as oppressor.

Hong Kong court postpones Jimmy Lai’s trial over heart condition

Former media owner’s hearing adjourned until Monday after defence reveals Lai, 77, experienced heart palpitations while in prison.