Next Media founder Li Zhiying and three "Apple Daily" related companies are accused of violating the "National Security Law" and have been scheduled for trial on December 1 this year.
The judge of the High Court approved Jimmy Lai in the middle of last month to hire the British Queen's Barrister Tim Owen to represent him at the trial, but the Department of Justice refused to accept the decision and appealed the decision. In the judgment, the appeal of the Department of Justice was dismissed and the original judgment was upheld, that is, Lai Keke was represented by the British Queen's Counsel.
Officials say the arguments in the case are of great importance to the public
In the judgment, the judge pointed out that the trial of this case will be a major case that will attract widespread local and overseas reports, and the legal disputes to be dealt with are of great importance to the public and will affect the jurisprudence of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" in the future. and the development of incitement to crime.
The public's perception of fair trial is crucial to the administration of justice. The court must adopt a flexible and rational approach to handle Lai's application in order to protect the public interest.
The defendant, Jimmy Lai (74), and Apple Daily Co., Ltd., Apple Daily Printing Co., Ltd. and Apple Daily Internet Co., Ltd., are charged with 1 count each of conspiracy to publish seditious publications and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.
Lai was separately charged with two counts of conspiring with Chen Zihua, Mark Simon, Li Yuxuan and others to collude with foreign forces.
Lai Zhiying intends to hire Tim Owen, the British Queen's Barrister, to represent the case, but the Secretary for Justice and the Bar Association have objected.
Chief Justice Pan Zhaochu of the Supreme Court handed down his verdict last month, saying the case was complicated and that Tim Owen could assist the court in handling it.
The judge approved Lai's appointment of Tim Owen after considering the public interest.
Case No.: CACV425/2022
High Court of National Security Law Approves Li Zhiying's Appointment of Queen's Barrister Tim Owen's Defense Zhiying involved in Fraud Technology Park｜The company under its name was convicted of failing to declare an office in the Apple Building