The newspaper mogul could face life in prison for allegedly colluding with foreign forces and sedition under Beijing’s national security law. Lai’s case is a high-profile example of China’s clampdown on civil liberties.
On Thursday, a Hong Kong court heard the closing arguments in the landmark national security trial of pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai.
Lai, who was arrested in 2020, was charged with “conspiracy to collude with foreign forces” and “seditious publication.”
He was detained under the Beijing-imposed national security law, one year after massive pro-democracy and anti-government protests swept Hong Kong.
What do we know about Jimmy Lai’s trial?
The media tycoon founded the Apple Daily newspaper, which was one of the most critical news outlets of the government in the territory.
Lai founded the newspaper in 1997, shortly before the United Kingdom handed the former colony back to China.
If found guilty, he could be sentenced to anywhere between three years and life in prison.
Judge Ester Toh said the court would “inform the parties in good time” as to when the verdict will be delivered, without specifying a date or timeline.
His trial began in December 2023, and lasted 160 days, more than double the original estimate. The 77-year-old has been in jail for over four and a half years.
The start of final arguments this month was delayed due to concerns over his health, after he reported heart palpitations. Closing arguments were also delayed due to bad weather.
Earlier this month, Reporters Without Borders condemned his treatment in jail.
In a statement, the group said Lai’s case “exposes the authorities’ ruthless determination to silence and suppress one of the most prominent advocates for press freedom amid Hong Kong’s rapidly deteriorating media landscape.”
Beijing clamps down on personal freedoms
Lai, a British citizen, was accused of fomenting anti-China sentiment in the financial hub.
When the territory was handed back to China from Britain in 1997, Beijing promised that civil liberties would be kept intact for at least 50 years.
Critics, however, say that the personal freedoms that were promised are being curbed under the national security law.
Beijing claims the law is needed to guarantee Hong Kong’s stability and security.
Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko
DW News
