Hong Kong authorities seek forfeiture order for properties tied to Jimmy Lai’s crimes
Confiscating properties will ensure they are not used to further threaten national security, government spokesman says
A government spokesman on Thursday also said the application filed with the Court of First Instance aimed to achieve the “important objectives of preventing and suppressing acts and activities endangering national security”.
Lai, 78, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily tabloid-style newspaper was sentenced to 20 years in prison in February after being convicted of two conspiracy counts of collusion with foreign forces and a third of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious articles.
The court also fined Apple Daily, Apple Daily Printing and AD Internet more than HK$3 million (US$383,800) each.
It pointed out that Lai was the “mastermind and driving force” behind a campaign to undermine the authority of both the central and local governments.
In its ruling, the court said that Lai “consciously” used his personal influence and the Apple Daily platform to delegitimise government institutions.
The judges said his actions went “far beyond” what was legally permissible, citing his efforts to damage the relationship between authorities and the public.