Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung has initiated proceedings to strike three companies linked to convicted media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying from the Companies Registry, following their convictions under the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region National Security Law (NSL).

The three companies — Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, and AD Internet Limited — were each fined HK$3,004,500 ($384,388.54) on Monday on charges including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious publications. The cases stemmed from a broader prosecution against Lai, the founder of Apple Daily, who is now serving a 20-year prison sentence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, a Security Bureau spokesperson said written notices have been issued to the three companies, affording them an opportunity to make representations by Feb 25.

Tang will subsequently recommend that the Chief Executive-in-Council order the Registrar of Companies to remove the entities from the official register, and written representations will be submitted for a decision.

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The spokesperson stated that the court had determined Lai exercised hands-on control over Apple Daily’s editorial direction, using the platform both before and after the enactment of the NSL to publish seditious content and solicit foreign sanctions against China and the HKSAR. The three companies were found to be knowing and willing participants in the conspiracies.

Citing Article 31 of the NSL, the spokesperson said the HKSAR government has a responsibility to enforce the provision. The proposed striking-off is intended to prohibit the continued operation of the three companies in Hong Kong in the interest of safeguarding national security.

If the Chief Executive-in-Council issues the striking-off order, the three companies will become “prohibited organizations” under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Any individual acting as an office-bearer or member of such an organization, or providing aid to it, may face up to 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$1 million.

The spokesperson emphasized that while rights and freedoms including speech and press are constitutionally protected under the Basic Law and relevant international covenants, such rights are not absolute and may be subject to restrictions necessary for national security.

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“Safeguarding national security is a matter of fundamental importance,” the spokesperson said. “The government of the HKSAR will, as always, resolutely, fully, and faithfully implement the NSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and other relevant laws of the HKSAR for safeguarding national security to effectively prevent, suppress, and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, and prohibit the operation of organizations that engage in activities endangering national security in the HKSAR.”