Fact Check: Key Trial Highlights of the Jimmy Lai Case (Part 5)

Former Apple Daily chief writer Yeung Ching-kee testified that he could not write articles that oppose Jimmy Lai’s stance of supporting foreign sanctions against China. He further stated Apple Daily had no genuine editorial autonomy but only " autonomy within a cage”, where all editorial staff must not cross the ideological boundaries set by Lai.

Former deputy publisher Chan Pui-man also testified that Lai would specify editorial direction during "lunchbox meetings" – gatherings where senior and mid-level executives discussed Apple Daily’s business development. Chan admitted that Lai’s views inevitably influenced the newspaper’s reporting.