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Jimmy Lai is a publishing tycoon known for his brash business style as well as his anti-Beijing activism, which was often reflected in his tabloid-style Apple Daily newspaper. He was a vocal participant in the Occupy Hong Kong protests of 2014 and remained a strong supporter of the anti-government protests triggered by the extradition bill. On 10 August 2020, he was arrested on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces and fraud. He has pleaded not guilty to the collusion charges. On 10 December 2022, he was sentenced to five years and nine months, and fined HK$2 million, in the fraud case. The collusion prosecution is ongoing.
Core features of Hong Kong’s legal system will also have to be upheld by amendments regarding who can take part in national security law cases.
The way matters are handled will come under great scrutiny as Beijing is asked to block a British lawyer under the national security law from representing the media tycoon.
For some, the best thing to do is stay out of politics, avoid areas of uncertainty and toe the government line. Then there are others, raised in a system that espouses freedom, who feel the need to speak out.
- Government says petition ‘misleading and slanderous’ and accuses clerics of undermining rule of law and interfering in city’s affairs
- Move came after 10 senior Catholic churchmen from eight countries signed petition calling for Lai’s release ‘immediately and unconditionally’
Congressional commission calls on American leader to raise concerns about Beijing’s rights abuses and demand immediate end to transnational repression.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang tells Post that public will soon learn about media mogul’s alleged crimes when prosecutor presents case in open court.
Political veterans Tam Yiu-chung, Regina Ip and Lau Siu-kai say sanctions may trigger ‘fallback measures’ included in security law for cases to be tried over border.
International law expert predicts US ‘provocative move’ on sanctions would not be allowed in run-up to meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Biden later this month.
Government spokesman says US politicians should stop acting against international law and interfering in Hong Kong issues, which are China’s internal affairs.
John Lee’s remarks also appeared aimed at Jimmy Lai, who this week marked his 1,000th day in prison on national security charges.
Authorities issue strongly worded statement, hitting back at claims made over rights and freedoms in Britain’s latest six-monthly report on Hong Kong.
High Court decides to adjourn media mogul’s trial for third time to allow one of three presiding judges to hear evidence for separate subversion case.
Court quashes one of two charges against seven over banned march during 2019 unrest.
Media tycoon ‘unreasonably persisted’ with the two proceedings against decision to bar British lawyer from representing him in collusion trial, Chief Judge of the High Court Jeremy Poon says.
Court of Appeal says items ‘agreed to be journalistic material were already accessed’ after earlier judgment, so dispute had ‘ceased to exist’.
Condemnation is a response to European Parliament adopting resolution on ‘alarmingly deteriorating’ situation in city, particularly on Jimmy Lai case.
Three-judge panel, appointed by city leader, rules there was no bias involved in the handling of his case.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly reveals he raised concerns to Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng about high-profile case in person.
Tycoon initiated two legal challenges, including judicial review which led to Friday’s ruling, to keep King’s Counsel Timothy Owen on his defence team.
A US lawmaker and witnesses call for Washington to sanction judges and prosecutors who have been ‘complicit’ in the deterioration of the rule of law in Hong Kong.
Approved amendment of Legal Practitioners Ordinance gives chief executive final say on involvement of foreign counsel in sensitive cases.
Senior Counsel Robert Pang argues fair-minded observer would find bias with Lai’s conviction, citing secrecy of how city leader has appointed judges for security cases.
High Court hears arguments from jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s legal team as it seeks approval of two legal challenges.
Lai’s lawyers argue finding is unlawful and usurps court’s role as gatekeeper against abuse of power.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam says disclosing reasons for rejection could endanger national security.
Sebastian Lai and London-based lawyers tell UN meeting Lai senior faces ‘trumped up charges of sedition and endangering national security’.
Magistrate convicts trio from Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.
British King’s Counsel Timothy Owen is unlikely to represent media mogul given proposed legal amendments and existing administrative procedures, they say.
Chief executive’s rulings to govern all cases, criminal and civil, related to national security, Department of Justice proposes.
