Response statement
2000-1-28
In response to press enquiries, an ICAC spokesman today (Friday) said:
“ The Court of Final Appeal today dismissed the leave application of Apple Daily for further appeal against the validity of two search warrants. The warrants were used by the ICAC to seize materials from the premises of the media organisation on November 29, 1999 in its investigation into alleged leakage of police information for br ibes.
“ The ICAC is pleased with the court judgment. Meanwhile, we want to stress that the ICAC exercises its powers in strict accordance with the law in the pursuit of corruption investigations.
“ Subsequent to the ruling of the Court of Final Appeal, the injunction order to keep the seized materials sealed has been lifted. The ICAC will now recommence its investigation, after two months' suspension, into this suspected corruption case, with the co ntinuous full support of the Department of Justice. ”
“ The Court of Final Appeal today dismissed the leave application of Apple Daily for further appeal against the validity of two search warrants. The warrants were used by the ICAC to seize materials from the premises of the media organisation on November 29, 1999 in its investigation into alleged leakage of police information for br ibes.
“ The ICAC is pleased with the court judgment. Meanwhile, we want to stress that the ICAC exercises its powers in strict accordance with the law in the pursuit of corruption investigations.
“ Subsequent to the ruling of the Court of Final Appeal, the injunction order to keep the seized materials sealed has been lifted. The ICAC will now recommence its investigation, after two months' suspension, into this suspected corruption case, with the co ntinuous full support of the Department of Justice. ”