A former president of Apple Daily and ex-CEO of Next Media Group, Zhang Jianhong, has recently sparked significant public interest after granting testimony against his former employer, Jimmy Lai, in connection with a case involving alleged collusion with foreign forces. His cooperation reportedly resulted in a reduced sentence. Speculation suggests that Zhang may have been released from prison early, as he took part in a visit to Shenzhen, where he praised China’s technological advancements and expressed regret for his past actions during an interview. Furthermore, there are claims that he may have been coerced into recording a confession video.
The case involving Apple Daily included nine individuals charged under Hong Kong’s National Security Law for “collusion with foreign forces,” with sentences handed down by the court in February of this year. Zhang, having pleaded guilty and served as a witness for the prosecution, received a significantly reduced sentence of six years and nine months, a 55% decrease from the original potential sentence. Initially, he was expected to be released in March 2028. Similarly, co-defendants Li Yuxuan and Chen Zihua also entered guilty pleas and served as accomplice witnesses, receiving sentences of seven years and three months and six years and three months, respectively, with anticipated release dates in 2028 and 2027.
According to a report by Ming Pao on November 2, the trio appears to have been released early.
On October 31, Zhang participated in a rehabilitation group tour organized by the Hong Kong Correctional Services to Shenzhen. The visit included a tour of the former headquarters of the Dongjiang Column and a look at Baidu’s self-driving cars. During this trip, Zhang granted an interview to the Beijing-affiliated Phoenix TV, during which he lauded China’s technological progress and expressed remorse for his actions during the protests of 2019. He expressed a desire for “an opportunity for rehabilitation.” When media inquired, the authorities declined to comment on the situation.
The circumstances surrounding Zhang’s early release and the precise reasons for it remain unclear.
Reports from Radio France Internationale noted that Zhang’s public statements mirrored the controversial practice of “televised confessions,” commonly seen in mainland China, where individuals confess to crimes while still in custody or during legal proceedings. In contrast, Zhang’s case presents a new version of this phenomenon, occurring after his release in Hong Kong.
Veteran commentator Liu Xiliang remarked to Radio France Internationale that Zhang’s situation illustrates the reality faced by those released under the National Security Law in Hong Kong. Even upon completing a prison sentence, individuals remain ensnared in a metaphorical “big prison,” where their words and actions are surveilled and controlled by authorities, stripping them of the freedom to express individual will or to refrain from participating in government-sponsored events or praising China’s development.
As Liu Xiliang pointed out, rather than witnessing a narrative of national greatness, Zhang’s comments reflect a sense of helplessness and sorrow. He cautioned that if Zhang were to express opinions that diverge from official sentiments or fail to comply with government expectations, he would likely face the risk of re-arrest at any moment.
The organization Safeguard Defenders recently addressed this issue on the social media platform X, questioning whether yet another Hong Kong resident has been compelled to shoot a confession video. They highlighted Zhang’s remarks while praising Beijing, drawing parallels with the patterns observed in forced televised confessions of those detained in China.
The Hong Kong government has a history of organizing visits for individuals involved in national security cases to undergo what is termed “patriotic education” in Shenzhen. One notable example is Agnes Chow, who played a significant role in establishing the political group Demosisto alongside activist Joshua Wong. After arriving in Canada at the end of 2023, Chow disclosed that even following her release from prison, national security officials had directed her to visit exhibitions showcasing “economic achievements” on the mainland. After moving to Canada for further education, she made the decision to seek asylum abroad. In response, the Hong Kong government has threatened lifelong pursuit against her.