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Final say on Apple Daily’s editorial direction rested with Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai, court hears
- Former Apple Daily executive Chan Pui-man pushes back against defence’s argument that tabloid tycoon focused on management aspect of newspaper
- ‘So, in the end, we had to see how Mr Lai set the tone for things,’ Chan tells courts on 35th day of high-profile trial
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Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying had the final say on Apple Daily’s editorial direction, a former senior executive testified on Thursday, pushing back against contentions the mogul only handled the now-defunct tabloid’s management.
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Chan Pui-man, an ex-associate publisher with the paper, told West Kowloon Court that Lai was “rather assertive” at times when he heard opposing ideas at his regular lunchtime conferences with Apple Daily staff.
“So, in the end, we had to see how Mr Lai set the tone for things,” the defendant turned prosecution witness said on the 35th day of the high-profile trial.
Lai, 76, has denied two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces under the Beijing-decreed national security law, as well as a third of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications under colonial-era legislation.
Prosecutors argued the mogul had conspired with Apple Daily staff to instigate foreign sanctions and foster hatred towards authorities using his tabloid, with Lai having complete control over its editorial approach.
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The media tycoon’s legal team, meanwhile, is seeking to establish a case that his focus had always been on the business aspect and how to improve the quality of content without exerting influence over the newsroom.
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