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HONG KONG: A Hong Kong appeals court on Monday banned the imprisoned media mogul Jimmy LayAn attempt to challenge in the city’s highest court an order obtained by the National Security Police to check the contents of his cellphones.
Lai, 75, is the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and is set to face trial in September on three counts under the city’s sweeping national security law, including collusion with foreign forces. He also faces a charge under the British colonial era sedition act.
Lai is a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party leadership in Hong Kong, including President Xi Jinping.
The billionaire was defying police scrutiny on two of his cell phones that were confiscated during his arrest at his home in August 2020, in part on the grounds that they contained press materials.
the supreme court Rejected challenges in August and October last year, when LeaveThe paper’s lawyers said the inspections could have a “chilling effect” on press freedom in Hong Kong.
Three judges at the Court of Appeal ruled on Monday that they could not allow Lai’s lawyers to appeal to Hong Kong’s highest court because they had raised points not previously covered and “failed to bring a proper case.”
Although the phones had already been searched by police, his lawyers argued, the cases involved “significant public interest”.
It is not clear whether Lai legal The team will attempt any further steps.
Lai lost a bid to end his national security trial in May. He could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
Beijing imposed national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 after months of anti-government protests. Acts of sabotage, collusion with foreign forces, and terrorism are punishable by life imprisonment.
Critics say the law is part of Beijing’s efforts to end dissent and the freedoms guaranteed to the city for 50 years when it was handed over to China from British rule in 1997.
Beijing and the city government say the law is necessary to maintain the stability that underpins the financial hub’s economic success.
Lai is already serving a five-year and nine-month prison sentence for fraud after being found guilty of violating a lease for Apple Daily headquarters. He denied the charge.
Lai, 75, is the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and is set to face trial in September on three counts under the city’s sweeping national security law, including collusion with foreign forces. He also faces a charge under the British colonial era sedition act.
Lai is a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party leadership in Hong Kong, including President Xi Jinping.
The billionaire was defying police scrutiny on two of his cell phones that were confiscated during his arrest at his home in August 2020, in part on the grounds that they contained press materials.
the supreme court Rejected challenges in August and October last year, when LeaveThe paper’s lawyers said the inspections could have a “chilling effect” on press freedom in Hong Kong.
Three judges at the Court of Appeal ruled on Monday that they could not allow Lai’s lawyers to appeal to Hong Kong’s highest court because they had raised points not previously covered and “failed to bring a proper case.”
Although the phones had already been searched by police, his lawyers argued, the cases involved “significant public interest”.
It is not clear whether Lai legal The team will attempt any further steps.
Lai lost a bid to end his national security trial in May. He could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
Beijing imposed national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 after months of anti-government protests. Acts of sabotage, collusion with foreign forces, and terrorism are punishable by life imprisonment.
Critics say the law is part of Beijing’s efforts to end dissent and the freedoms guaranteed to the city for 50 years when it was handed over to China from British rule in 1997.
Beijing and the city government say the law is necessary to maintain the stability that underpins the financial hub’s economic success.
Lai is already serving a five-year and nine-month prison sentence for fraud after being found guilty of violating a lease for Apple Daily headquarters. He denied the charge.
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