“Hong Kong Inmedia” was charged in August 2024 for not keeping the register of members and directors at its registered office. Director Damon Wong pleaded guilty to two charges under the Companies Ordinance on Wednesday (6th) at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts, with the charges initiated by a complaint.

Wong argued for leniency, stating that “Hong Kong Inmedia” is an online media outlet operating on a small scale and non-profit basis, serving the public interest without profit distribution among shareholders and directors for many years, and currently facing a cumulative loss of over 300,000 dollars. He hoped for a light sentence.

Acting Magistrate Chu Chung-keung, considering the circumstances and the defense’s plea, fined “Hong Kong Inmedia” 5,000 dollars for each charge, with legal costs deducted from the fines. Following the verdict, “Hong Kong Inmedia” stated that the incident was a temporary oversight now corrected, affirming their commitment to continue striving for press freedom in Hong Kong.

InMedia Accused of Not Keeping Member and Director Registers

The defendant, “Hong Kong Inmedia,” was charged with two offenses. The charges stated that someone had filed a complaint alleging that on August 23, 2024, the company did not keep the register of members and directors at its registered office located at 9th Floor, Fortuna Building, 365 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; both charges fall under the Companies Ordinance.

Director Damon Wong of “Hong Kong Inmedia” appeared in court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to the two aforementioned charges. The prosecution stated that the case details had been presented to the defendant before the court session. Wong acknowledged and agreed to the case facts.

Damon Wong: Always Serving the Public Interest, Accumulating Over 300,000 in Losses

The prosecution stated that the defendant is a private equity company and a first-time offender, noting that according to regulations, the maximum fine is 25,000 dollars. Typically, an aggregate fine is imposed, with each citation ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 dollars, and there is also an application for court fees.

Damon Wong presented a letter of mitigation, stating that “Hong Kong Inmedia” operates as a small-scale, non-profit online media organization committed to serving the public interest. He noted that neither shareholders nor directors have received dividends over the years, and the company has accumulated losses exceeding 300,000 Hong Kong dollars.

Wong explained that on the day of the incident, two registers were kept at the premises, but due to an oversight, the registers were mistakenly placed together. This error was immediately corrected afterwards. He emphasized the company’s simple structure, “It’s just the same three people involved,” and asked the court to consider the company’s status as a first-time offender and its non-profit nature for a lenient sentence.

The acting magistrate, Chu Chung-keung, considered the circumstances of the case and the defense’s plea for leniency, fining “Hong Kong Inmedia” 5,000 Hong Kong dollars per charge, with court costs deducted from the fines.