Jimmy Lai, a well-known media tycoon and pro-democracy activist from Hong Kong, went on a historic national security trial in Hong Kong on Monday. If found guilty, he may receive a life term under a statute Beijing implemented to repress dissidents.
Lai’s Trial
Lai,76, was detained in August 2020 as part of a crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in the city, which was made possible by the broad national security law (NSL) that was passed in response to massive protests four years prior. He was accused of plotting with others to release seditious materials and of coordinating with foreign powers to jeopardise national security.
The carefully followed case is generally regarded as a trial of press freedom and a test for judicial independence in the Asian financial capital. It is connected to the now-shut down pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, which Lai founded.
Lai’s trial is being overseen by three government-approved judges. The trial is expected to last about 80 days.
International Reactions
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in a statement that the security law is a “clear breach” of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and its continued use shows that China has violated its international commitments.
Cameron was referring to China signing the agreement in 1984, which allowed Hong Kong to retain a high degree of autonomy and freedoms for 50 years.
Cameron said he was particularly concerned by the “politically motivated prosecution” of Lai and urged Beijing to repeal the security law and release Lai.
“Jimmy Lai has been targeted in a clear attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association,” Cameron said.
Similarly, the US also condemned Lai’s prosecution and urged authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing to respect press freedom.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller called on Hong Kong authorities “to immediately release Jimmy Lai and all others imprisoned for defending their rights.”
The chairpersons of the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China said in a statement that the trial is a “political prosecution plain and simple and another sad example of the Hong Kong government’s increasingly repressive policies.” They also called for Lai’s release and urged authorities to drop the charges.
Comments from China
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during his regular press conference on Monday that any law in Hong Kong “must be observed” and that “those who break the law must be held accountable.”
He called Lai “a major mastermind and participant of the anti-China riots in Hong Kong” and “an agent and pawn of the anti-China forces, and the person behind the riots.”
Wang added that Lai’s acts had been “detrimental to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and the wellbeing of the people.” “The Hong Kong law enforcement and judicial authorities have handled and tried the case in accordance with the law. This is fully justified, legitimate and lawful,” he stressed.
The spokesperson also slammed the US and UK for their “irresponsible” statements on an “ongoing judicial process is against the principle of the rule of law, the international law and the basic norms governing international relations.”
He also accused the move of being “politically motivated and one hundred percent double standard.” Wang rejected the move and pledged support to the city’s government “in upholding national security in accordance with the law and bringing criminals who endanger national security to justice.”
“Attempts to smear, disturb and sabotage Hong Kong’s national security law will not succeed,” he warned.