Stand News｜Zhong Peiquan Said He Never Published Articles Advocating Hong Kong Independence

Zhong Peiquan, the former editor-in-chief of "Stand News", Lin Shaotong, the acting editor-in-chief, and the registered company of the website were charged with conspiracy to publish or reproduce seditious publications. The trial of the case continued today (10th) in the District Court, and Zhong continued to defend himself.

Zhong said that "Standard" insisted on reporting the facts. For example, they never wrote about the death of someone at the 831 Prince Edward Station, because there was no relevant fact to support it; I don't think it has changed much either.

He mentioned that many senior executives of Apple Daily, including his wife Chen Peimin, choked up when they were arrested, and said they felt threatened, and felt that it was no longer possible to judge those articles as illegal.

He also thought about ending "The Stand", but he was still reluctant.

Later, he had to visit his wife often in prison, so he quit his job, and Lin replaced him. He described Lin as a "good colleague" and "willing to take this risk". He was "surprised" by Lin's arrest, and said: " These articles should not be his responsibility."

Material selection mainly considers whether it is related to the well-being of the group

Chung Pei-kuen continued to point out that when selecting materials, he will consider whether the issue and the proposition are related to the common well-being of the group, which may be correct or incorrect, but the group at least has the right to know, and has the right to participate in discussions and give opinions, so as the media, it should report.

Referring to special reports, Chung pointed out that the reports in this column are relatively in-depth and long-form, and the purpose is to provide comprehensive and in-depth reports and explanations on controversial issues.

Although it is not possible to come up with conclusions for every topic, it can at least show readers how to understand events and make the article worth reading decades later. Zhong described this approach as: "Writing the first draft of history tightly ".

The second defendant, Zhong Peiquan, said that he had thought about graduating from the position, but he was still reluctant.

(File photo/Photo by Liu Anqi)

It has never been said that anyone died in the 831 Prince Edward Station Incident

Afterwards, the defense showed the special issue "Aspiration" published by "Position", in which the "Preface" mentioned: "We will continue to write the truth with the pen, and pursue justice with the truth."

Chung pointed out that the content of this special issue is a collection of articles and reports of "Standard" after 2019. It is estimated that 3,000 copies were printed and distributed to members who donate a certain amount every month. The purpose is as stated in the "Preface" in the publication.

Zhong also pointed out that the truth is the most basic requirement for all journalists.

For example, he pointed out that "Standard" will never refer to the death of anyone in the 831 Prince Edward Station incident, because there is no relevant definite evidence.

But they have tried to investigate. Although they may not find the truth in the end, the difficulties encountered in the process and the problems reflected are also very important.

Commentary articles advocating Hong Kong independence will not be published

Zhong continued to point out that the "Standard" has not changed much since the "National Security Law" was enacted. They still believe that reporting political opinions truthfully is the freedom of the press, but if commentary articles advocate Hong Kong independence or China's territorial separatism, they will not be published.

Zhong Zi said that for a while he still wanted to maintain the previous editorial policy. Even if some articles called for regime change and criticized officials, as long as they did not cause violence, he felt that they should be allowed to be published under the freedom of speech.

When Zhong Peiquan testified, he mentioned that his wife Chen Peimin (former) choked up when she was arrested.

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Apple exec feels concrete threat after arrest

Chung once choked up when he mentioned the arrest of his wife Chen Peimin and several senior executives of Apple Daily.

After taking a short break, he said that the accusation of "Apple" caused the threat and specific pressure brought by the "National Security Law". But this does not mean that he thinks there is something wrong with the article, it is just that at that time he "couldn't judge whether any article violated the law".

Visiting Wife Every Day Fails to Perform Editor-in-Chief Duties

The defense immediately asked why "Stand" did not choose to graduate at that time. Zhong bluntly said: "I am not willing, not willing." They still think that the work is meaningful and interesting, and it is beneficial to civil society and the country. They feel that "there is nothing from the beginning to the end." What you did wrong and what you did should be pursued by the law.”

Until October 2021, Zhong had to visit his returned wife every day, failing to perform his duties as editor-in-chief. At that time, he had seriously considered graduating, but he was "unwilling."

Zhong Peiquan also said that he was surprised by Lin Shaotong's arrest, and pointed out that Lin was not responsible for the article involved in the case.

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Make Lin risk-taking feel embarrassed

Zhong said that although he thought that whether he resigned or not made little difference to the things he would face in the future, he still decided to resign in order to reduce the worries of his family.

Chung once again choked up his words, saying that there was a "good colleague" Lin Shaotong at the time who was "willing to take this risk".

Zhong Ziyan felt very "embarrassed" because he didn't want his colleagues to take risks. When he learned that Lin was also arrested, he was "surprised" and said: "These articles should not be his responsibility. Why should he be arrested? ?” Chung also feels that “I can’t protect all my colleagues”.

The three defendants, in order: Best Pencil (Hong Kong) Limited, Zhong Peiquan (52 years old) and Lin Shaotong (34 years old), were charged with one count of "conspiracy to publish or reproduce seditious publications".

Case number: DCCC265/2022

The prosecution accused 17 articles of "Stand News" involving incitement.

(See the picture below for details)

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Stand News｜Zhong Peiquan said that we must let different viewpoints speak out, don’t ban freedom of speech for the purpose of eliminating dangerous ideas. Stand News Case｜Zhong Peiquan said that as long as there is something to say, the article must be published as long as there is something to say. Emphasize that he is the only decision-maker in the standpoint news case. The prosecution presented 19 new photos from FB as evidence. ｜The Chief Inspector believes that considering whether the article is incitement is a subjective analysis. The news case policeman read several paragraphs of readers’ comments. The prosecution said that it would use this to prove the degree of incitement.