Hong Kong Court Orders Defunct Apple Daily to Pay HK$1.5 Million in Defamation Case

A Hong Kong court has ordered the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily to pay HK$1.5 million in damages to a couple who sued for defamation over articles published in 2019. The ruling addresses claims that the newspaper falsely accused the couple of being spies for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The defamation suit was filed by China Innovation Investment Limited, its chairperson Xiang Xin, and his wife Kung Ching against Apple Daily Limited and AD Internet Limited. The court heard that the articles, published in November and December 2019 amid anti-extradition law protests, alleged the couple took instructions from the CCP and PLA, received funds to infiltrate protests, and colluded with triad groups. Apple Daily did not have representatives attend the case or submit evidence.

High Court Judge Poon Siu-tung ruled that Apple Daily failed to prove the truth of its allegations. The judge also noted the newspaper did not attempt to verify the claims, did not offer the plaintiffs a chance to explain, and never printed their denial. The court ordered the companies to pay HK$600,000 to China Innovation Investment Limited, HK$500,000 to Xiang, and HK$400,000 to Kung. The judge stated the articles caused significant damage to the plaintiffs' reputations, leading to consequences such as being blocked from leaving Taiwan and having bank accounts canceled, which affected their company's operations and stock prices. The couple was eventually allowed to return to Hong Kong without being charged.