One of the prominent figures in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, British national and media magnate Jimmy Lai, has commenced his testimony in court.
This marks the first occasion he has spoken in court regarding a case that has faced delays for several years.
Lai, who is 77 years old, is facing charges under Hong Kong’s national security legislation, including two counts of conspiracy to engage in foreign collusion and one count of disseminating seditious material.
He is alleged to have solicited the United States and other foreign nations to impose sanctions on both Hong Kong and mainland China. Lai has refuted all allegations against him.
The publisher’s testimony started with a reflection on the reasons behind the establishment of the Apple Daily newspaper in the city.
He indicated that the publication embodied the “fundamental values” of Hong Kong.
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Lai further elaborated on his involvement in political endeavors, including events honoring the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
In 2021, Hong Kong authorities conducted a raid on the Apple Daily headquarters and shuttered the publication.
This action followed a period in which the city was swept by pro-democracy protests against an extradition law in 2019.
China has maintained that these protests were “riots” that effectively paralyzed portions of the city.
The extradition law was ultimately revoked, the protest movement was subdued, and dissenters were silenced.
On Tuesday, 45 activists were sentenced to terms ranging from four to ten years for conspiracy to commit subversion after organizing an unofficial primary election in the city in 2020.
Armed officers maintain security outside the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts in Hong Kong on November 20. Pic: AP Photo/Chan Long Hei
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “Hong Kong is a society ruled by law.”
“It is essential that laws are adhered to and any breaches of the law are met with penalties; no one is permitted to engage in illegal actions under the guise of democracy and evade justice.”
Lin Jian urged international entities to refrain from meddling in China’s domestic matters.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer brought up Jimmy Lai’s situation with China’s President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit on Monday.
Sir Keir has articulated that ensuring Lai’s release is a “top priority for the government”.
US president-elect Donald Trump has vowed “100%” commitment to achieving Lai’s liberation.
Lai has already endured four years in incarceration. He was convicted of fraud in 2020 and sentenced to six years behind bars.
The accusations he currently faces under the territory’s national security law could result in a life sentence.
