Hong Kong 'Anti-China Media' Owner Jimmy Lai Released on Bail, Placed Under House Arrest

Accused of Violating Hong Kong Security Law... Placed Under House Arrest with 1.4 Billion KRW Bail

On the 23rd (local time), Jimmy Lai, owner of the Hong Kong anti-China media outlet Apple Daily, is being escorted by prison guards to the court. Chairman Lai was released on bail that day and placed under house arrest. On the 3rd, Lai was indicted and imprisoned on charges of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law and fraud. Hong Kong=AP. Yonhap News Photo by AP

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] Jimmy Lai (73), the owner of the anti-China media outlet Apple Daily, who was indicted and imprisoned on charges of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law), has been released on bail and placed under house arrest. This comes about three weeks after his detention on the 3rd.

According to major foreign media on the 23rd (local time), the Hong Kong High Court granted bail to Chairman Lai, who is currently detained on charges of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security under the Hong Kong Security Law. The court set bail at 10 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately 1.43 billion KRW) and imposed house arrest as conditions for bail. Additionally, he is prohibited from meeting with foreign officials or organizations deemed hostile to China, posting on social media, or making statements to the media.

Chairman Lai was indicted and detained on the 3rd for using the office of Next Digital, the parent company of Apple Daily, for purposes other than those permitted under the lease agreement.

Eight days later, additional charges were brought against him for colluding with foreign forces to harm national security under the Hong Kong Security Law. Through social media, Lai urged governments including the United States to “stand against China’s oppression.” He also requested the U.S. side to “treat Hong Kong youth applying for asylum generously” following the implementation of the Hong Kong Security Law. The prosecution also took issue with various editorials published by Lai, online forums he held, and interviews with U.S. media such as CNN.

The Hong Kong Security Law, enacted in June, stipulates that four acts?secession, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign forces?can be punished with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Previously, Lai had applied for bail twice in lower courts, but the requests were denied due to the risk of flight.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.