A day before turning 73, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai sent a courageous message to the public from his jail cell, asking well-wishers not to worry about him and saying one must “continue to move forward amid troubled times.”

That message was delivered by Cheung Kim-hung, the chief executive of Next Digital, who visited Lai early on Monday morning. Cheung said he found Lai “in good spirits”, and adjusting well to life in custody. Next Digital publishes Apple Daily.

Lai has been remanded in custody at Lai Chi Kok Detention Centre since his bail was denied last Thursday. His court hearing on fraud charges is scheduled for April 16.

Lai said the public should not worry about him, and that his detention gives him time to settle down and read, according to Cheung. “We still need to move forward amid troubled times,” he quoted Lai as saying, in comments to reporters after his visit.

“[Lai] did not ask for any book in particular, only that he needed a translation dictionary,” Cheung said.

Lai has been allowed access to sleep masks and a radio, and will soon be provided with more daily necessities, Cheung added.

Lai is being kept in solitary confinement, and will celebrate his 73rd birthday alone on Tuesday. His family has ordered food for him from a restaurant approved by correctional officials.

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