HK's Top Court To Hear Jimmy Lai's Case On Dec 31

RTHK has learnt that Hong Kong's top court is slated to hold a hearing next Thursday morning to handle a request by the government to return media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai to jail.

The High Court released Lai on Wednesday on $10 million bail, under strict conditions which include a ban on leaving his home, giving interviews, meeting foreign officials or using social media.

Government prosecutors are said to have already filed for an appeal over his bail to the Court of Final Appeal. Their request to take the case to the city's top court was earlier rejected by the High Court.

If the prosecutors' request is approved, the Apple Daily founder would have to be detained until his next court appearance on April 16 next year.

The 73-year-old had been behind bars since December 3 when he appeared in court over a fraud charge, linked to the business use of Next Digital's headquarters in Tseung Kwan O.

He was also charged with colluding with foreign powers, and is the only person charged with the national security law to be granted bail so far.