HONG KONG — The high-profile national security trial of Jimmy Lai, a well-known activist and publisher from Hong Kong, is set to continue on Wednesday. Lai, who is the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy publication Apple Daily, is anticipated to take the stand in his own defense shortly.
Lai was apprehended in 2020 during a significant crackdown on mass demonstrations advocating for democracy, which began in Hong Kong in 2019. He is facing serious charges, including collusion with foreign entities that could jeopardize national security and conspiring to produce seditious materials. A conviction could result in a sentence of up to life imprisonment.
His case has become a focal point for discussions about press freedom and judicial independence within Hong Kong, which is often seen as a litmus test for the territory’s civil liberties under Chinese governance. Following the handover from British rule in 1997, China had pledged to uphold the region’s civil liberties for 50 years. However, many critics argue that this commitment has been undermined in the name of national security.
Since the introduction of the national security law imposed by Beijing, a number of prominent activists from Hong Kong, including Lai and 45 others who received sentences recently, have faced legal repercussions. Numerous pro-democracy advocates have either gone into hiding or have been silenced, while many civil society organizations have dissolved due to the oppressive climate fostered by the law.
Authorities claim that the national security law has reestablished order in Hong Kong after the unrest of 2019. Prosecutors allege that Lai had solicited help from foreign governments, particularly the United States, to act against Beijing under the pretense of advocating for democracy and freedom.
They reference Lai’s discussions with notable U.S. political figures, such as former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, during July 2019, concerning a controversial extradition bill that incited widespread protests. Prosecutors contend that Lai was seeking U.S. support for sanctions against mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials involved in suppressing the protests.
On Wednesday morning, many individuals braved the rain to secure a place inside the courtroom, including William Wong, a former reader of Apple Daily who arrived at around 6 a.m. Wong, who is 64, expressed his desire to show support for Lai, asserting that the people of Hong Kong have not lost sight of him.
International calls for Lai’s release have been voiced by the governments of the U.S. and U.K., along with a group of independent United Nations human rights experts. In the lead-up to the U.S. elections, then-President-elect Donald Trump expressed during a podcast that he would absolutely seek to negotiate Lai’s freedom.
In response to the situation, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee highlighted the importance of mutual respect in fostering trade relations, asserting that there should be no outside interference in domestic affairs. Additionally, Beijing has criticized certain U.S. lawmakers for their support of Lai.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also raised concerns regarding Lai’s situation during a meeting with Xi Jinping at the G20 summit held in Brazil. Hong Kong’s security minister, Chris Tang, stated on Tuesday that the prosecution is grounded in factual evidence.
Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, voiced concerns over his father’s prison conditions, describing them as “inhumane.” He noted that at 77 years old, his father has spent almost four years in solitary confinement in a maximum-security facility.
On Sunday, the Hong Kong government denounced members of the law firm representing Lai, accusing them of disseminating misinformation. Officials stated that Lai’s solitary confinement was at his own request and had been authorized by prison authorities.
Criticism of the trial has also emerged from media organizations and human rights groups. The CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, Jodie Ginsberg, expressed that this “show trial” must conclude before further damage is done.