Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai pleads not Guilty in high-stakes national security trial
Seventy-six-year-old pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, has declared his innocence on charges of “sedition” and “collusion.”
The trial, closely watched as a litmus test for Hong Kong’s political freedoms, centers around Lai’s alleged role in supporting pro-democracy protests and criticizing Beijing’s leadership through his newspaper.
Lai, clad in a white shirt and navy blue jacket, faced accusations of colluding with foreign forces by calling for international sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials.
Surrounded by prison guards, he staunchly asserted “not guilty” to each of the three charges. Lai’s family, present in the courtroom gallery, witnessed the proceedings.
Lead prosecutor Anthony Chau portrayed Lai as a “mastermind” who utilized his media platform to pursue a political agenda and orchestrated a conspiracy with the advocacy group Stand With Hong Kong Fight For Freedom (SWHK).
The prosecution cited 161 Apple Daily publications between April 2019 and June 2021 as alleged “seditious publications” aimed at influencing the impressionable.
The trial unveiled Lai’s alleged connections with politicians, activists, and academics worldwide, with prosecutors presenting a color-coded chart displaying his “connections.”
Foreign ‘agents’ and intermediaries, including his meeting with former US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, were emphasized to underscore Lai’s purported extensive foreign ties.
Accused of providing instructions and financial support to SWHK for lobbying foreign countries, Lai faces severe penalties under the 2020 security law imposed by Beijing.
Prosecutors played video clips of media interviews where Lai called for American sanctions to deter Beijing, further substantiating their claims.
Despite drawing condemnation from the international community, Lai’s case has been dismissed by Beijing as interference.
As the trial adjourned for lunch, Lai blew kisses to his family, reflecting the high emotions surrounding the case.
The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly reverberate beyond Hong Kong, shaping perceptions of political freedoms and judicial independence in the region.
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