HONG KONG (AP) — A Hong Kong court is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the trial of former pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai, who faces serious charges, including conspiracies to commit sedition and collusion with foreign forces. This landmark case underscores the significant changes that have taken place in the semi-autonomous Chinese city since Beijing initiated a widespread crackdown on dissent five years ago.
Lai, 78, was arrested in 2020 under a national security law implemented by Chinese authorities in response to the massive anti-government protests that swept through Hong Kong in 2019. His trial, which has lasted for 156 days, has garnered intense scrutiny from foreign governments and political observers, who view it as a litmus test for judicial independence and press freedom in the former British colony, a territory that was promised the maintenance of Western-style civil liberties for 50 years after its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
Historically, Hong Kong boasted a vibrant press landscape and a robust culture of protest. Following the dramatic events of 2019, Beijing intensified its control over the city, leading to the stifling of most public dissent. Lai was among the first notable figures charged under the National Security Law, which Beijing heralded as essential for Hong Kong's stability. Consequently, numerous civil society groups have disbanded, and tens of thousands of residents have emigrated to countries like Britain, Canada, and the United States.
After failing to find success in the retail clothing industry, Lai transitioned to media, driven by a belief in the power of information as a means of delivering freedom. His newspaper, Apple Daily, garnered attention for its hard-hitting tabloid-style coverage of politics and celebrities, coupled with a strong pro-democracy editorial stance. Lai actively participated in protests, including the demonstrations of 2019, and was arrested in 2020 when approximately 200 police officers raided the offices of Apple Daily. He has been in custody since December 2020.
In the year following Lai's arrest, authorities used the National Security Law to detain several senior executives from Apple Daily, freeze $2.3 million in assets, and ultimately force the publication to shut down. The final edition of the newspaper reportedly sold out within hours, reflecting the strong demand from readers despite the crackdowns on media freedom.
The most serious allegations against Lai include that he invited foreign powers, such as the U.S., to impose sanctions against China disguised as actions advocating for freedom and democracy. Although Lai acknowledged having called for sanctions in the past, he contended that he ceased such activities once the security law came into effect. The prosecution, however, argued that he attempted to create a misleading image of China, encouraging international actions against it.
Lai's defense, led by lawyer Robert Pang, described his remarks as mere "armchair punditry" and defended his rights to free expression. Pang criticized the prosecution for treating human rights as inherently foreign concepts, engaging in contentious exchanges with the judge. Judge Esther Toh remarked that while not loving the government is permissible, doing so through questionable means is objectionable.
Prosecutors also highlighted Lai's foreign connections, including meetings with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and then-Vice President Mike Pence during the major protests of 2019. They maintained that such associations illustrated his intent to incite foreign interventions against China. A significant facet of the prosecution's case rested on testimonies from six Apple Daily executives who pleaded guilty in 2022 and served as witnesses against Lai.
As the trial unfolded, foreign governments, including the U.S. and the U.K., have expressed alarm over Lai's situation, advocating for his release. Both nations’ leaders have raised concerns with China, emphasizing the geopolitical stakes in Lai’s case. Conversely, Beijing characterized Lai as "an agent and pawn of anti-China foreign forces," accusing him of masterminding disruptive activities in Hong Kong.
Lai, now facing potential life imprisonment, has reportedly been experiencing health issues while in custody. Despite his family’s concerns regarding his deteriorating condition, authorities have maintained that Lai has received sufficient medical care. The range of sentences under the national security law varies greatly, from three years for less serious offenses to life for the most grave violations. If convicted, Lai is expected to receive sentencing on a later date and has the option to appeal the outcome.
