Our firm attended the Pre-Trial Review hearing today for Mr. Leung Chun-ying, the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in a defamation action against Best Pencil (Hong Kong) Limited operating as Stand News (the “Stand News”) in High Court Action No. 1993/2018 (the “Action”).

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In the said hearing, The Honourable Madam Justice Au-Yeung took note of the factual circumstances including :-

1. the matter with the 1^st Defendant, Mr. Chung Kim-wah, in the Action has been settled; 
2. Stand News ceased to operate on 29 December 2021;
3. There has been no operation in Stand News’ registered office(s);
4. Stand News has no legal representatives or director authorized to represent it on record in the Action; 
5. Stand News has not attended any hearing since July 2022
6. Directors of Stand News were either resigned or wanted;
7. The articles in question have already been withdrawn and are not in public circulation.

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As such, Her Ladyship considered that it would be appropriate and sensible to have the Action permanently stayed with no Order as to costs, and made such orders accordingly. The 15-day trial for the Action originally scheduled to commence on 7 August 2023 has been vacated.  

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This case is led by our Senior Partner Mr. Peter Sit, our litigation partner Mr. Alex Chan, and assisted by our Associate, Mr. Alan So.

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