壹傳媒集團創辦人黎智英與2名高層12月2日就涉嫌欺詐罪，案件到警署報到，及後被通宵扣查一晚，昨被押往西九龍裁判法院提堂。控罪指他們未有按租契而使用將軍澳工業邨大樓，並向科技園公司隱瞞有關用途，導致科技園公司蒙受不利，或令蘋果印刷或力高顧問有限公司獲利。
案件由國安法指定法官蘇惠德審理，拒絕黎智英保釋並下令還押至明年４月16日再訊，而另外兩名壹傳媒高層則獲准保釋。
美國國務卿蓬佩奧推文指，「香港政府對黎智英、黃之鋒、周庭和林朗彥的政治迫害令美國感到震驚。 他們為抵制中共剝奪其基本權利而進行的抗爭將在整個歷史上突出，作為對人民精神的印證。」
美國《華爾街日報》對黎智英被捕一事，以《黎智英，中國的謊言》（Jimmy Lai, China’s Lie）為題發表社評，形容在今時今日的香港，推動民主便足以讓人成為罪犯，又批評當權者把租賃糾紛刑事化是打擊政敵。
英國廣播公司（BBC）在報道時指出，事件加劇各界憂慮當局利用備受爭議的《港區國安法》，向民主人士和傳媒展開新一輪打擊行動。
曾任職傳媒多年的前立法會議員毛孟靜指，由國安法指定法官拒絕黎智英保釋，反映港府針對黎的行動是「昭然若揭」，「盲嘅都睇到係針對黎智英，就係因為佢係傳媒老闆，亦都因為喺香港民主運動有突顯嘅角色」。
有大律師指，香港奉行無罪假定原則，若有市民被控一般而言會獲准保釋，法庭考慮會否批准保釋的因素「都係會唔會走佬」。他對於黎智英被控串謀詐騙不獲保釋感震驚，認為「黎智英又唔係積犯，唯一係驚佢走佬」，但他指黎早前已因國安法被捕而沒收護照，根本無法循正常途徑離港。若任何控方指稱牽涉《國安法》元素的案件的被告人皆不准保釋，難免令人質疑法庭只淪為橡皮圖章。
Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been denied bail following his arrest on December 2 for alleged fraud. He will remain behind bars until the next court date in April 16, 2021.
Lai and 2 senior executives of Next Digital were formally charged for using their headquarters in Tseung Kwan O for purposes not allowed in the building lease.
The case was heard by national security law-designated judge Victor So, who refused bail and adjourned to April 16 next year, while the other 2 executives were granted bail.
US Secretary of State Pompeo tweeted, “The United States is appalled by the Hong Kong government’s political persecution of Jimmy Lai, Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow, and Ivan Lam. Their struggle to resist the CCP’s denial of their fundamental rights will stand throughout history as testaments to the human spirit.”
The Wall Street Journal published an editorial on the arrest titled “Jimmy Lai, China’s Lie”, stating that “In today’s Hong Kong, promoting democracy makes you a criminal,” criticizing the authority for criminalizing rental disputes as fraud charges for political opponents.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that the case “raised fears of a renewed crackdown on the city’s activists and media figures, spurred by a controversial new security law”, which critics say has silenced dissent.
Former Legislator Claudia Mo, who has served in the media for many years, said that the judge appointed by the National Security Law rejected Jimmy Lai’s bail, reflecting that the Hong Kong government’s actions against Lai were “clearly revealed,” as he is a media boss, and for of his prominent role in the Hong Kong democracy movement.”
A barrister pointed out that Hong Kong adheres to the principle of presumption of innocence. If a citizen is charged, generally he will be granted bail. The factors that the court considers whether or not to approve bail based on “absconding risk.” He was shocked that Lai was accused of alleged fraud and denied bail as he is not a repeat offender. Lai has been arrested against the National Security Law and his passport was confiscated, and is unable to leave Hong Kong through normal channels. If all defendants in cases alleged by the prosecution involving the National Security Law are denied bail, it will inevitably make people question that the court is only a rubber stamp.
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