‘Hong Kong’s Apple Daily ran articles critical of government for business goals’
‘Hong Kong’s Apple Daily ran articles critical of government for business goals’ South China Morning Post
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Apple Daily Trial
Political Stance and Editorial Freedom
- The political stance of contributors remains an essential consideration in the newspaper’s forum section.
- The extent of the outlet’s editorial freedom is described as “birdcage autonomy”, meaning it is controlled.
Case Background
- The high-profile national security trial of Jimmy Lai, the former publisher of Apple Daily, is currently ongoing.
- Lai has pleaded not guilty to charges of collusion with foreign forces and conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications.
- Prosecutors aim to establish that Lai had complete control over Apple Daily to instigate international sanctions and foster public hatred towards authorities.
Witness Testimony
- Former publisher Cheung Kim-hung and associate publisher Chan Pui-man corroborated the prosecution’s narrative.
- Senior defence counsel Robert Pang Yiu-hung highlighted text messaging records to show that Yeung, who oversaw Apple Daily’s commentaries, made independent decisions to refuse publication of certain writings.
- Yeung explained that he would ask authors to amend their writings to fit Apple Daily’s needs and could be fired for failing to ensure contributors shared the tabloid’s values.
Editorial Direction and Independence
- Apple Daily would not publish articles supporting Hong Kong independence or illegal acts.
- Articles falling into the “grey area” of the law might be able to proceed to print.
- Apple Daily attempted to engage former government officials or pro-establishment figures as regular writers.
Challenges and Awkward Situations
- Pang highlighted an article by Taiwan International Strategic Study Society director general Wang Kun-yi that cast doubt on the effectiveness of US sanctions on China.
- Yeung admitted it was “awkward” to publish the article inconsistent with Apple Daily’s stance, but the tabloid could not ban its publication.
Upcoming Proceedings
- The trial resumes with activist Andy Li Yu-hin, the most prominent fugitive among the 12 Hongkongers arrested by mainland authorities four years ago, expected to take the stand.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the trial of Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily, a now-defunct tabloid in Hong Kong. The trial revolves around charges of collusion with foreign forces and conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications. These issues are connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The trial also highlights the issue of reduced editorial independence and freedom of the press, which is relevant to SDG 10, which seeks to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
- SDG 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average
The article highlights the issue of limited editorial independence and freedom of the press in Hong Kong. This is connected to SDG 16.10, which aims to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms. The trial of Jimmy Lai raises concerns about the protection of freedom of expression and the press in Hong Kong. Additionally, the article mentions the involvement of former government officials and pro-establishment figures in Apple Daily, which relates to SDG 10.1, which aims to achieve and sustain income growth for the bottom 40% of the population.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 16.10: Number of laws and regulations that guarantee access to information and fundamental freedoms
- Indicator for SDG 10.1: Income growth rate of the bottom 40% of the population
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators related to the identified targets. However, progress towards SDG 16.10 can be measured by examining the number of laws and regulations in Hong Kong that guarantee access to information and fundamental freedoms. Similarly, progress towards SDG 10.1 can be measured by analyzing the income growth rate of the bottom 40% of the population in Hong Kong.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements | Indicator: Number of laws and regulations that guarantee access to information and fundamental freedoms |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average | Indicator: Income growth rate of the bottom 40% of the population |
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Source: scmp.com
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