Former Apple Daily Publisher Joins Shenzhen Study Tour for Rehabilitated Offenders
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Cheung Kim-hung, the 64-year-old former publisher of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, participated in a Shenzhen study tour organised by Hong Kong's Correctional Services Department on Sunday, marking a notable chapter in his post-conviction rehabilitation. Cheung, who had been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security, appeared in a Phoenix TV report as a "rehabilitated person" during the visit. The trip, which formed part of the department's fourth experience tour to mainland China for rehabilitated offenders, included visits to historical sites and leading technology companies. Cheung expressed enthusiasm about experiencing China's driverless vehicle technology, telling the state-owned broadcaster he felt "very proud" as a Chinese national.
Key Points
- Cheung Kim-hung, 64, joined a Shenzhen study tour as a "rehabilitated person" on Sunday, with his full name and face shown in a Phoenix TV report
- He was sentenced to six years and nine months for pleading guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, expected to remain imprisoned until 2028
- Cheung served as a key prosecution witness in Jimmy Lai Chee-ying's national security trial before his own conviction
- The tour visited Baidu's headquarters where participants rode in the company's Apollo Go autonomous vehicles, with Cheung expressing excitement about the technology
- The visit was part of the fourth experience tour under "Project ReAch," which aims to enhance offenders' awareness of national security and strengthen law-abiding values
Why It Matters
The participation of a high-profile figure like Cheung Kim-hung in a government rehabilitation programme underscores Hong Kong authorities' efforts to integrate former offenders back into society while promoting national security awareness. The programme's focus on showcasing mainland technological achievements to rehabilitated offenders reflects a broader strategy to foster patriotism and social responsibility among this demographic, potentially setting a precedent for future rehabilitation initiatives in the city .
The participation of a high-profile figure like Cheung Kim-hung in a government rehabilitation programme underscores Hong Kong authorities' efforts to integrate former offenders back into society while promoting national security awareness. The programme's focus on showcasing mainland technological achievements to rehabilitated offenders reflects a broader strategy to foster patriotism and social responsibility among this demographic, potentially setting a precedent for future rehabilitation initiatives in the city .