HK tribunal's ruling on short seller could stifle critical commentary, analysts fear

Hong Kong

US short-seller Andrew Left says he will appeal a Hong Kong tribunal's ruling that he must repay profits and refrain from trading in the territory for five years because he published "false and/or misleading" claims.

Mr Left must repay HK$1.6 million (S$286,000) in trading profits and pay about HK$4 million in legal expenses, the Market Misconduct Tribunal said on Wednesday. He will face criminal prosecution if he breaks Hong Kong rules again.

"I do not believe the decision properly reflected the case," Mr Left said in an email on Wednesday. "I did an extensive amount of research and am disappointed that the courts have stifled my freedom of speech - a definite step backwards for …