Jimmy Lai, the founder of the defunct Apple Daily, has begun his testimony in a national security trial that could result in a life sentence, amid increasing pressures on pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong.
Jimmy Lai Takes the Stand in Controversial National Security Trial
Jimmy Lai Takes the Stand in Controversial National Security Trial
Hong Kong’s pro-democracy figure faces life imprisonment as he testifies for the first time.
Lai, 76, arrived at the Court of Final Appeal on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in a trial assessed as politically charged. This is Lai's first appearance on the stand, despite enduring various legal battles since the onset of the national security crackdown in 2020. He stands accused of colluding with foreign powers through his media platform to challenge the Hong Kong government's authority.
The timing of Lai's testimony coincides with the recent sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists, known collectively as the Hong Kong 47, highlighting the stringent measures imposed by Beijing against dissent. Lai's trial revolves around allegations that Apple Daily published supportive narratives of the 2019 pro-democracy protests, actions perceived by Chinese authorities as destabilizing.
In his testimony, Lai distanced himself from separatism, stating that the notion of Hong Kong's independence was "too crazy to think about." He emphasized that the values upheld by Apple Daily reflect the aspirations of the people of Hong Kong, which include essential tenets such as the rule of law, democratic freedoms, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly.
Lai expressed his initial motivation for entering the media sector was to advocate for freedom. Should he be convicted, he faces the grim prospect of a life sentence, underscoring the stakes involved in this trial against the backdrop of a broader crackdown on dissent in the city.
The timing of Lai's testimony coincides with the recent sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists, known collectively as the Hong Kong 47, highlighting the stringent measures imposed by Beijing against dissent. Lai's trial revolves around allegations that Apple Daily published supportive narratives of the 2019 pro-democracy protests, actions perceived by Chinese authorities as destabilizing.
In his testimony, Lai distanced himself from separatism, stating that the notion of Hong Kong's independence was "too crazy to think about." He emphasized that the values upheld by Apple Daily reflect the aspirations of the people of Hong Kong, which include essential tenets such as the rule of law, democratic freedoms, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly.
Lai expressed his initial motivation for entering the media sector was to advocate for freedom. Should he be convicted, he faces the grim prospect of a life sentence, underscoring the stakes involved in this trial against the backdrop of a broader crackdown on dissent in the city.
