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Brian Wong
Senior Reporter, Hong Kong
Lai says tweets in support of speech by then secretary of state in July 2020 were for only part of his address and did not apply to official’s statements about justifications for US sanctions.
But court hears former media boss messaged right-hand man to say it was ‘right’ to force Beijing to meet Washington’s demands.
Former media boss maintained friendship with retired official but says he rejected suggestion by James Cunningham to instigate anti-China moves.
Justices interject in fiery exchange with former media owner, who insists he was telling truth about predicted changes on live-streamed show.
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He also rejects accusations of inciting hatred in a commentary in which he mentioned friends intimidated by alleged Communist Party agent.
Unpublished letter reveals Lai felt he was targeted because he had ‘embarrassed’ Beijing by exposing its ‘hollow’ promises.
Ex-media boss gave an interview right after the enactment of security law, saying that he would fight for democracy in a ‘different way’.
Ex-media boss also denies saying that he believed his arrest would trigger foreign intervention.
Ex-media boss tells court he had always cautioned others to refrain from crossing the line and committing an offence.
Lai had called for the US to impose ‘sanctions and punishments’ on China before the situation became ‘hopeless’.
Woman briefly taken away and held in court building room after clapping at Lai’s remarks in past Radio Free Asia interview clip.
Any change to Hong Kong’s preferential trade status in the United States would be counterproductive, former media boss tells trial.
Court hears ex-media boss gave a series of interviews with major foreign media outlets calling for tough action against Beijing.
Former media boss admits he wanted US ‘moral authority’ to pressure Beijing and he became ‘desperate’ for ‘any support’ after security law.
Ex-media boss says he was just regurgitating rumour floating around at the time and used the CIA and US interchangeably.
Court hears ex-media boss thought sanctions were ‘only possibility’ to halt law, but he was adamant about staying in city ‘to face’ aftermath.
Ex-media boss unsure over funding to paralegal Wayland Chan as assistant Mark Simon could spend ‘a couple million’ without need for approval.
Ex-media boss says at national security trial that belief sanctions could topple Communist Party is ‘more than ridiculous’.
Ex-owner of Apple Daily says he supported sanctions against officials who ‘suppressed Hong Kong’ but not those against ‘China as a state’.
Lai also tries to distance himself from ‘Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong’ lobbying group, but admits he had multiple meetings with key members.
Former tycoon also says he didn’t know ‘Stand With Hong Kong’ hashtag in his Twitter posts were similar to name of protest group that called for sanctions.
Court of Final Appeal upholds rulings that same-sex couples can enjoy same rights as other families in terms of inheritance, public housing.
The Court of Final Appeal dismisses the government’s appeals seeking to preserve the discriminatory housing policies and intestacy laws.
Former media boss says English-language coverage did not need to be ‘balanced’, as he denies trying to trigger Western sanctions.
Lai was told top US officials had security protocols preventing them from officially subscribing to app, and he confirms none ever did.
Former media boss tells court he had capitalised on ‘anti-China sentiments’ during the pandemic to boost his US readership.
Ex-media boss denies encouraging violence or glorifying ‘valiant’ faction, instead wanted restraint by some protesters.
Judges grill former media boss on ‘confidential’ US message he forwarded to staff and friends in opposition camp.
Former media boss also rejects claims from ex-Apple Daily staff over grip on editorial direction, creation of sanctions list targeting Hongkongers.
Former media boss goes into witness box for the first time and gives 6½ hours of testimony in his high-profile national security trial.
