Dec 18: Founder of Apple Daily, Jimmy Lai, along with three Apple companies, is being tried in the High Court for charges of conspiring with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious publications. The case raises concerns about how the national security law threatens human rights in Hong Kong. Notably, Lai has already spent over 3 years in jail before the trial, highlighting the government's practice of punishing political prisoners even before their day in court. The trial continues tomorrow. #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #PressFreedom #HumanRights #NationalSecurityLaw #HighCourt

Dec 19: Founder of Apple Daily, Jimmy Lai, and three Apple companies continue their trial on charges of conspiring with foreign forces and publishing seditious publications. Yesterday, the defense argued that the prosecution's addition of sedition charges exceeded the time limit for prosecution. Today, they added that the prosecution should have timely initiated charges due to the six-month limit for sedition offenses. The prosecution contends that the conspiracy was ongoing, citing over 160 seditious publications released by Lai within two years. The judge will rule on the legal dispute this Friday.

Legal dispute arises as the six-month time limit for sedition offenses becomes a focal point in the trial of Jimmy Lai and the Apple Daily companies. Defense argues charges exceed the limit, questioning court jurisdiction. Prosecution contends ongoing conspiracy justifies charges. Ruling expected Friday. #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #Trial #LegalDispute #SeditionCharges

華郵：李宇軒中國拘留期間遭虐待 返港後指證黎智英

《華盛頓郵報》今（18日）發表獨家調查報道，指「12港人案」之一的李宇軒被中國拘留期間遭虐待，日間被迫盤腿坐在混凝土櫈子，晚上在不同時間突然被叫醒。報道引述7位知情人士表示，從李宇軒的牢房一直能聽到尖叫聲。李宇軒返港後，成為證人指證《壹傳媒》創辦人黎智英。

《華郵》引述多位知情人士透露，「12港人」被送到深圳鹽田看守所後，被分開關押在單人牢房，有兩名警衛輪流24小時監視他們，即使上廁所也要監視，牢房內燈光一直開着。

報道形容，他們通常不准在牢房內四處走動。除了吃飯和審訊，白天他們被迫盤腿坐在混凝土凳子上，直到關節變得疼痛。

到了晚上，他們會在毫無明顯原因的情況下在不同的時間被叫醒，亦從未被允許外出。

熟悉情況的人士表示，在最初的幾個月裏，審訊是毫不停歇的，如果他們不詳細描述他們的逃跑的情況，警衛會威脅將他們送到新疆。

李宇軒在2021年3月22日在中國刑滿出獄，同日由深圳移交香港警方，並送往小欖精神病中心，他被控「串謀勾結外國勢力或者境外勢力危害國家安全」等罪名。案情指他與《壹傳媒》創辦人黎智英、黎的助手Mark Simon以及劉祖迪等人，在2019年反修例運動期間，控制「重光團隊」呼籲外國制裁中國和香港。

《華郵》披露，報道內容根據香港、中國的法庭文件、由《華郵》獲得或審閱的監獄監視錄像和信件、訪問多位被中國拘留的人、以及與接近李宇軒和黎智英的人的訪談。他們表示，同意接受採訪因為擔心這個案件將被用來重新編寫2019年香港抗議活動的敘述，並希望有一個事實的歷史記錄。

#李宇軒 #12港人 #黎智英 #陽光司法 #JimmyLai #蘋果日報 #AppleDaily #新聞自由無價 #守護真相 #撐蘋果 #壹傳媒 #滅聲

報導：光傳媒 Photon Media www.photonmedia.net

Dec 18: According to an exclusive investigation by The Washington Post, Andy Li Yu-hin, one of the "12 Hong Kongers," may have been coerced into accusing Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily. During his detention in China, Li Yu-hin faced torture and harsh conditions. He was forced to sit on a concrete stool for prolonged periods and experienced sleep deprivation. Upon his return to Hong Kong, Li Yu-hin's testimony implicating Jimmy Lai raises concerns about the potential influence and pressure exerted on him. This case sheds light on the ongoing complexities surrounding the 2019 Hong Kong protests. #HongKong #12HongKongers #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #PressFreedom #Coercion #HumanRights #PhotonMedia

Dec 22:Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai's incitement charges not time-barred. Case continues in January 2024.

The case against Jimmy Lai has had a significant impact on press freedom in Hong Kong. Lai's arrest and subsequent prosecution are seen by many as part of a broader crackdown on dissent and independent journalism in the region. The charges of "conspiring with foreign forces" and incitement have created a climate of fear among journalists, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect on media outlets. The closure of Lai's popular newspaper, Apple Daily, further diminishes the diversity of voices and independent reporting in Hong Kong. Overall, the case has raised concerns about the erosion of press freedom and freedom of expression in the city.

#HHongKong #JimmyLai #AppleDaily

Media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital and Apple Daily, faces charges of "collusion with foreign forces" and other offenses. Prosecutors claim Lai used his media platform to incite hatred against the Hong Kong government and China. The case involves 161 articles, including Lai's columns and Apple Daily reports, urging protests and international sanctions against China. Prosecutors allege Lai contacted foreign politicians, including former US Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo, seeking sanctions. Lai pleads not guilty.

Charges against Jimmy Lai for "collusion with foreign forces" are seen as baseless, stifling dissent and freedom of speech. Targeting prominent figures like Lai undermines democracy and human rights. We must condemn attempts to silence dissent. #JimmyLai #FreedomOfExpression #AppleDaily #HongKong

Jan 3: on day 5 of #JimmyLai's trial, prosecutors claiming he directed #AppleDaily's English edition to promote "yellow" viewpoints and seek foreign sanctions. They mention Lai's Twitter account, where he followed figures like Tsai Ing-wen and Mike Pence. The judge questioned the relevance, but prosecutors argue it shows Lai's connections and state of mind. Critics see these charges as an attack on free expression.

Jimmy Lai's trial highlights the concerning reality that having a Twitter account can now be used against individuals in prosecutions. The case underscores the potential risks individuals face for expressing their viewpoints and connecting with others on social media platforms. #FreedomOfExpression #freehk #freepoliticalprisoners

Jan 8: day 7 of the trial, Founder of Next Digital, Jimmy Lai, and three related companies including Apple Daily, are charged with conspiring with foreign forces and inciting secession in Hong Kong. Prosecution presented evidence of email correspondence between Lai and several former US officials. These charges not only raise concerns about the criminalization of contact with foreign officials but also undermine freedom of expression in Hong Kong. The trial continues. #HongKong #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #FreedomOfExpression

Founder of Apple Daily, Jimmy Lai, and related companies face "conspiring with foreign forces" charges. Former vice president Chan Pui-man testifies, highlighting Lai's COVID-19 concerns and news influence.

A column by Lai in April 2020 was presented, mentioned "the courage to do what we know we can't".

Chan also admires those persisting for democracy. Trial adjourns till Feb 19. #AppleDaily #JimmyLai #PressFreedom #HongKong #Democracy

Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital and related companies, continues trial on charges of "conspiring with foreign forces." Former Apple Daily deputy chief editor, Chan Pui-man, testifies, revealing chaos within the company at the time of her resignation. She approved the printing of the final Apple Daily issue, with 1 million copies, despite feeling awkward about her role. Chan agrees with Lai's democratic values but claims her news judgment remains independent. Trial to resume on Wednesday. #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #Trial

During the trial, Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, revealed that he was not concerned about the possibility of his arrest. Lai expressed his belief that if he were to be apprehended, it would serve as evidence of the Chinese Communist Party's suppression of human rights and press freedom. He further stated his confidence that countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe would not stand idly by in such a scenario. The trial continues to unfold. #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #FreePoliticalPrisoners #PressFreedom

Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital and Apple Daily, along with three related companies, faces charges of conspiring with foreign forces. During the 54th day of trial, witness Li Yuxuan reveals communication with UK Conservative Party member Peillun De before the National Security Law came into effect. Discussions revolve around utilizing Hong Kong to "topple the CCP," and Li acknowledges Hong Kong's willingness to play that role. He clarifies that "toppling" refers to causing chaos and confirms his willingness to bear the consequences. Li also emphasizes that their primary goal is to establish Hong Kong, with "toppling the CCP" being secondary or merely a means to "liberate Hong Kong." The trial adjourns until April 8.

#JimmyLai #NationalSecurityLaw #HongKong #NextDigital #AppleDaily

"In the rain, Taiwanese and Hong Kongers unite. They brave the downpour, holding signs that say 'Drenched to the toes but never giving up,' reminiscent of the 1.7 million-strong Hong Kong rally on August 18, 2019. Carrying yellow umbrellas and supplies from Apple Daily, they come to show their support. Along the way, people assist in carrying the items, understanding the importance of standing against the evil law for freedom. He is an organizer of the solidarity gathering, witnessing the transformation from being a spectator during the Sunflower Movement ten years ago to actively participating now. His emotions are mixed, feeling touched but also wary. He believes that Taiwan's democracy will continue to progress after the Sunflower Movement, but recent events reflect potential setbacks or the exploitation of the democratic system."

#AntiExtraditionMovement #Taiwan #KMT #SunflowerMovement #PeopleParty #DPP #Rally #AppleDaily #HongKong #NewsCoverage #thechaser

Art by 淋漓淋浪 @lumli_lumlong

#黎智英 #JimmyLai #蘋果日報 #AppleDaily #新聞自由無價 #守護真相 #撐蘋果 #壹傳媒 #滅聲 #欲加之罪

那個風雨飄搖的晚上，數百員工在壹傳媒大樓內緊守崗位，齊心協力為《蘋果日報》寫下最終章。報導真相本來就是傳媒機構以至新聞工作者的職責，但政權卻以國安罪名以言入罪，大興文字獄。《蘋果》被迫停刊三年，壹傳媒創辦人黎智英與《蘋果》三間相關公司，被控「串謀勾結外國勢力」等三項罪名的案件目前仍在審訊中，而黎在囚已接近1,300日，其餘涉案六名資深新聞工作者則亦「未判先囚」超過1,000日。

對極權說真話要付出沉重的代價，但失去新聞自由，社會損害更大。當新聞工作者被迫害，傳媒被關閉，新聞自由成一紙空文，萬馬齊瘖的社會，公權力不受監督，最終還是人民受害。經過一千多天，有多少人已把牢獄中的他們淡忘﹖在無能為力的當下，記憶與遺忘的鬥爭，便是對抗極權的鬥爭。香港曾經有一份《蘋果日報》，我們沒有忘記，亦不會忘記！

全文: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8jyHyKNos9/
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#Appledaily #黎智英 #freejimmylai #壹傳媒 #立場新聞 #新聞自由 #PressFreedom