Hong Kong media tycoon, Jimmy Lai, who has been held in prison since December 2020, is finally standing trial for alleged national security offences. Lai is being charged with conspiring to collude with foreign powers, according to China’s national security law.
The trial comes after Lai, a well-known critic of China, was arrested in August 2020. During his arrest, police raided the offices of his newspaper, Apple Daily. Lai and Apple Daily are also facing charges under a sedition law dating back to the British colonial era.
The trial, which has been delayed for a year, faced a challenge from the government over Lai’s choice of defence counsel. Pro-democracy politicians, civil society, and media in Hong Kong have been under pressure since the mass demonstrations in 2019.
The international community has expressed grave concern over Lai’s prosecution. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron called for Lai’s immediate release, stating that the security law breaches commitments made to Hong Kong. The US has joined the UK and EU in calling for Lai’s release, condemning the denial of his choice of legal representation.
The security around the trial is tight, with warnings of disruptions and harassment. Lai has already been found guilty and jailed in separate cases, including those related to Apple Daily’s management and his involvement in a vigil for the Tiananmen Square massacre.
The situation in Hong Kong goes beyond Lai’s trial. Other critical publications have closed down, and election processes have been overhauled to ensure only “patriots” can hold public office. The recent district council elections saw a record-low turnout, and the number of directly elected seats was significantly reduced.
These actions, along with others that stifle press freedom and restrict the flow of information, have undermined Hong Kong’s democratic institutions. As a result, the city’s reputation as a business hub has also been affected.
Amnesty International has reported that the security law has decimated Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms. The international community continues to call for Lai’s release and expresses concerns over the situation in Hong Kong.
