Jimmy Lai, the 76-year-old founder of Hong Kong’s now-defunct Apple Daily, testified in his high-profile national security trial on 20 November 2024.
He reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and freedom of speech, denying accusations of collusion with foreign forces—a charge carrying a potential life sentence.
Lai’s case is one of the most significant prosecutions under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.
Western governments and human rights groups, including the United Nations, have repeatedly called for his release, describing his detention as arbitrary and a violation of due process.
The trial centres on 161 Apple Daily articles and other statements that allegedly supported Hong Kong’s 2019 pro-democracy protests and criticised Beijing’s governance.
Prosecutors claim Lai sought international sanctions against China and Hong Kong.
Taking the stand for the first time since his December 2020 imprisonment, Lai defended Apple Daily, stating that its core values aligned with those of Hong Kong’s people: “rule of law, freedom, pursuit of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly.”
Lai described his entry into the media industry as an effort to promote freedom, declaring, “The more you are in the know, the more you are free.” However, he denied advocating violence or Hong Kong independence, labelling the latter idea “too crazy to think about.”
International scrutiny and local reactions
The trial, conducted without a jury, has drawn international criticism for procedural irregularities and delays.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention recently declared Lai’s detention unlawful, urging his immediate release.
The European Parliament also condemned the Hong Kong government for obstructing trial monitoring.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised Lai’s case during a 18 November meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
As a British citizen, Lai’s plight has drawn heightened attention in the United Kingdom, with his family urging stronger intervention.
In court, Lai rebutted accusations that he influenced foreign policies, stating he had only requested verbal support for Hong Kong’s democracy from foreign officials, including former US Vice-President Mike Pence.
He denied direct or indirect communication with former US President Donald Trump.
Outside the courtroom, a retired Hong Kong citizen praised Lai’s courage. “He has a lot of money, he could have left any time, but he didn’t because he felt a responsibility,” the 80-year-old told AFP.
Health concerns and legal conditions
Lai’s extended detention has raised concerns about his health. His legal team reported that the 77-year-old suffers from diabetes and that prolonged solitary confinement has significantly affected his well-being.
Hong Kong authorities, however, refute allegations of mistreatment, citing that Lai requested to be kept apart from other inmates for safety reasons.
Robertsons, the Hong Kong law firm representing Lai, stated that he receives medical attention and daily exercise. Still, Lai’s son warned that his father’s condition could deteriorate rapidly.
Media crackdown and press freedom
Lai’s testimony comes against the backdrop of a broader crackdown on press freedoms in Hong Kong. Apple Daily, one of the city’s most outspoken pro-democracy newspapers, was forced to shut down in 2021 following police raids and the arrests of senior editors.
Lai’s case has been characterised by allegations of prosecutorial overreach. Testimony in the trial includes accounts from a witness reportedly held under coercive conditions and over 150 articles labelled as seditious.
Rights groups argue that the charges are part of a campaign to silence dissenting voices in Hong Kong.
Rebecca Vincent, director of campaigns at Reporters Without Borders, called Lai’s trial “ludicrous” and emphasised the global significance of the case.
“What happens to Jimmy Lai matters deeply for Hong Kong but also for journalism and press freedom around the world,” she said.
The proceedings, initially scheduled for 80 days, have already surpassed 92 court sessions.
As Lai continues his defence, international observers remain focused on the outcome, viewing it as a litmus test for freedom of the press and judicial independence in Hong Kong under Beijing’s influence.
The verdict in Lai’s trial could set a precedent for the treatment of media figures and activists in the city.
For now, the world watches closely, as Lai himself persists in advocating for the freedoms that have come under siege.
