Hong Kong court docket upholds warrant on tycoon Jimmy Lai’s telephones

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, founding father of Apple Each day, appears to be like on as he leaves the Courtroom of Last Attraction by jail van, in Hong Kong, China February 1, 2021. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

HONG KONG, Aug 30 (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s Excessive Courtroom on Tuesday upheld a brand new warrant obtained by the nationwide safety police to look the contents of media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s telephones.

In one of many former British colony’s greatest nationwide safety instances, Lai and 6 former Apple Each day workers members have been charged with collusion with overseas forces beneath the brand new regulation imposed by Beijing in 2020.

Senior Council Philip Dykes, representing Lai, had challenged the warrant, saying that the telephones contained journalistic materials and that defending it was important for a free press. The shortage of such safeguards causes a “chilling impact”, he stated.

In his ruling, Choose Wilson Chan stated that press freedom in itself had “by no means translated into an absolute ban in opposition to the search and seizure” of journalistic supplies.

Chan dominated Lai’s telephones can stay sealed till 11.00 pm on Sept. 6 as his attorneys will enchantment in opposition to the choice.

Hong Kong returned to Chinese language rule in 1997 with a promise of in depth autonomy and freedoms unavailable in mainland China.

Critics of the safety regulation say it quashes particular person rights, which authorities deny, saying the regulation restored stability after mass anti-government protests in 2019.

In keeping with a discover by Lai’s attorneys, police seized two smartphones throughout the arrest at his residence in August 2020. “A bodily hack occurred” with out Lai’s information and consent earlier than his attorneys arrived, it stated.

The telephones, which stay unlocked, have been then plugged right into a cell charger earlier than being sealed, it stated.

The search warrant was issued by Principal Justice of the Peace Peter Legislation who stated the telephones may “include proof of an offence endangering nationwide safety”.

The trial will start on Dec. 1, heard by Judges Esther Toh, Susana D’Almada Remedios and Alex Lee.

Secretary of Justice Paul Lam has ordered a no-jury trial, citing unspecified “involvement of overseas elements,” and dangers to the jurors’ private security and of “perverting the course of justice.”

Lai has indicated he’ll plead not responsible. All different defenders have indicated responsible pleas.

Reporting by Jessie Pang; Modifying by James Pomfret and Raju Gopalakrishnan

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.