Next Digital founder and media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai will be remanded in custody until April next year, after a Hong Kong magistrate on Thursday rejected his bail application over a fraud case.

Lai, 73, Next Digital director Royston Chow, 63, and administrative director Wong Wai-keung, 59, are charged with one count of fraud alleging their use of a site at 8 Chun Ying Street in Tseung Kwan O industrial estate is not in accordance with the land lease, and that they had hidden such usage from the statutory Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, which manages and operates the industrial estate.

The following is a note from Apple Daily to our readers:

During the detention of Jimmy Lai, he is allowed to meet, other than his lawyers to discuss the case, only two family members per day.

His favourite item, the mobile phone, has been confiscated, disconnecting him from much of the world.

Yet, within the detention center Lai can still browse the newspapers each day, including Apple Daily. Readers who want to show their support may write letters to him. We will publish your kind thoughts in Apple Daily so that Lai will be able to feel the support of the outside world even as he has lost his freedom.

Thank you, everyone!

Please send your letters to:

Apple Daily

1st Floor, 8 Chun Ying Street

Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate

or email to [email protected]

Below are some letters written by readers to Jimmy Lai:

“Lately, I had been thinking a lot about whether to migrate to another country, but I was afraid that it might not be easy given my occupation. Your perseverance for the sake of Hong Kong has given me strength to stay on and safeguard Hong Kong. Thank you, Mr Lai. Thank you for the Apple Daily you founded. Thank you for safeguarding press freedom.”

— a doctor at a public hospital

“We are grateful for the founding of Next Magazine and Apple Daily, which help us to see the truth.

We are Hong Kong people journeying together and weathering the storm together, and we will continue to persist.

Please continue to speak up for Hong Kong and Hongkongers. Your efforts will not be in vain. Hang in there.”

— anonymous

“Dear Mr Lai,

You are a HERO of HK and what is happening to you will be recorded in HK real history. We know you have done nothing wrong, all that you have done is just reviewing the truth of the CCP and all the dirty tricks of 777. That’s why CCP and 777 want to kill you, don’t want you and APPLE DAILY NEWS to exist.

Think of how Jesus suffered and we realise how wicked, horrible those evil creatures are, like the HK Government today. No one who speaks the truth is excluded. A lot of people are proud of your spirit, unfortunately you and your loved ones have to see you suffering.

Many church friends and I keep praying for you and your family members. Be strong and god bless.”

— Audrey Chan

“Hello Fat Lai,

You are brave! you are the man! We all stand behind you to support you! Keep your confidence, darkness will be over, sun will be raised up soon! God bless you!”

— David from Canada

Click here for Chinese version

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