Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media mogul in Hong Kong, recently appeared in court to testify for the first time after being charged with foreign collusion under the national security law. Lai, who founded Apple Daily, shared that he started his media business after the Tiananmen Square massacre as a way to deliver information that promotes freedom and democracy. He emphasized the importance of having access to information and how it contributes to one’s freedom.
During his testimony, Lai highlighted the core values of Hong Kong people, which included the rule of law, freedom, pursuit of democracy, freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. He expressed his disapproval of advocating for the independence of Hong Kong and Taiwan, referring to it as a “trap” set by others. Lai’s case has garnered significant attention as one of the most prominent under the national security law, with concerns raised about the decline in political freedoms in Hong Kong.
The 76-year-old media tycoon faces the charge of colluding with foreign forces, which could lead to a life sentence. Despite pleading not guilty, Lai has been behind bars since December 2020, raising concerns about his health. The Committee to Protect Journalists highlighted Lai’s case as indicative of Hong Kong’s democratic decline and the suppression of independent media and journalists in the region.
The trial against Lai revolves around the publications of Apple Daily, which supported the pro-democracy protests in 2019 and criticized Beijing’s leadership. The prosecution has accused Lai of seeking foreign intervention against China and Hong Kong, leading to the closure of Apple Daily in 2021 following police raids and arrests of senior editors. Lai is also accused of supporting activists in lobbying for foreign sanctions through a protest group.
The trial has drawn attention from both local and foreign figures, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing Lai’s case as a priority for his government. Starmer raised concerns about Lai’s health during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, reflecting the international interest in the case. The trial highlights the ongoing challenges to political freedoms and independent media in Hong Kong, with Lai’s testimony shedding light on the importance of upholding democratic values in the region.
