Next Media founder Jimmy Lai and three related companies of “Apple Daily” were charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. The trial was resumed today (19th) at the West Kowloon Court (temporary High Court). The defense disputed that the prosecution’s additional charge of “conspiracy to publish seditious publications” exceeded the six-month prosecution time limit. It argued that the time limit was to protect basic human rights and ensure that the authorities promptly stopped the distribution of seditious publications. The prosecution alleged that the defendant published more than 160 inciting posts during the stated period, and carried out the conspiracy until the posts were withdrawn. The prosecution added that as long as the prosecution indicates to the court that it intends to prosecute someone, the prosecution has begun and does not exceed the time limit. The judge will rule on the legal dispute this Friday, and the prosecution will not make an opening statement.
