Jimmy Lai Photo: VCG
Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai was denied bail due to risk of continuing to commit acts that endanger national security, a Hong Kong High Court judge announced on Tuesday.
Judge Anthea Pang said the decision was made based on assessments that involve the Hong Kong secessionist's "background, associations, community ties and financial position."
There are no "sufficient grounds" to believe that Lai will not commit further acts that endanger national security if bail is granted to him, despite the additional bail conditions that he offers, including the termination of internet service at home and the regulation of visitors, Pang said.
Lai was denied bail a second time last week after the Court of Final Appeals ruled on February 9 in favor of the Department of Justice, which had challenged Lai's bail decision granted by the Hong Kong High Court on December 23.
Pang noted that the court usually provides reasons for revoking bail application orally, but Lai's case was set out in writing because of the history of the proceedings and the interests of public justice.
The Hong Kong media tycoon was formally charged under the National Security Law for Hong Kong for colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security, in what was widely seen as a high-profile case.
On February 17, he was arrested again on charges of "aiding criminals" and "colluding with foreign forces," according to media reports.
Lai is also suspected of aiding Andy Li Yu-hin's attempt to escape from Hong Kong to the island of Taiwan. Li is one of the 10 Hong Kong people who were charged and sentenced to prison in the Chinese mainland for illegal border crossing.