Prominent pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai appeared in court for his national security trial, facing charges of conspiracy to publish seditious publications and conspiracy to foreign collusion under Hong Kong’s national security law. Lai vehemently denied trying to influence foreign policy or ask foreign officials to take action on Hong Kong, stating that he simply advocated for freedom and democracy through his media company, Apple Daily.
Lai defended his meetings with foreign officials, including then US president Donald Trump and Taiwan’s former president Tsai Ing-wen, stating that he never requested any concrete action beyond speaking in support of Hong Kong. He also revealed his long-standing commitment to advocating for democracy, which led to the founding of Apple Daily after the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989.
The case against Lai revolves around media appearances and articles published in Apple Daily that supported the 2019 pro-democracy protests and criticized Beijing’s leadership. Lai emphasized that the editorial policy of Apple Daily reflected the core values of Hong Kong people, including freedom and democracy.
Despite calls from Western countries and rights groups for his release, Hong Kong and Beijing have condemned Lai as a political tool of foreign forces. Lai is currently serving a separate jail term in solitary confinement at Stanley prison, raising concerns about his health.
Supporters gathered outside the court to show solidarity with Lai, emphasizing the importance of his advocacy for Hong Kong. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has raised concerns about Lai’s case with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, highlighting the broader decline of democratic norms in Hong Kong.
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