Designated judge in Jimmy Lai trial suspects Apple Daily article of misleading public
發佈日期: 2025-08-26 21:21
TVB News
The defence for the landmark national security trial of Next Digital founder Jimmy Lai continued with its closing argument today.
One of the trial's designated judges suspects Apple Daily articles on the extradition bill misled the public. The defence said the publication was meant to promote discussion in the community.
Former media mogul Jimmy Lai and three companies related to the now defunct newspaper Apple Daily were charged with conspiracy to collude with external elements and publishing seditious publications.
This as the defence continued with its closing argument with the trial having entered into its 154th day.
Designated Judge Alex Lee suspected Apple Daily had advocated for the government to rescind the extradition bill.
Using an Apple Daily editorial as an example, the defence said the newspaper simply discussed whether the bill was good or bad, or was it necessary, and that the public could make its own judgement.
The judge noted the editorial belittled then-Chief Executive Carrie Lam, and asked the defence whether that proved Apple Daily instigated or increased contempt among residents, thus fulfilling the requirements for the charge of sedition.
The defence said it believes more evidence is needed to prove the publication's content incited such negative feelings, adding that the articles pointed out the government's mistakes.
Judge Esther Toh suspected the articles misled the public, and it was not the government's fault.
The defence said it is the media's role to promote discussion in the community.
Judge Alex Lee further asked whether the articles could bring about reasonable discussions beyond telling the government that "everyone" objects to the extradition bill.
The defence believes the articles noted the government's inability to present persuasive points supporting the bill.
The team added other media outlets also published opposing views on the matter, allowing residents to make up their own mind on the bill.
Meanwhile, regarding the charge of colluding with external elements involving the organisation "Stand with Hong Kong," the defence said there is no evidence that indicates Lai's request for foreign sanctions at the time of the incident.
