Jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai revealed during his national security trial that he had hoped for the United States to enforce stronger sanctions on China to prevent the implementation of a national security law by Beijing in 2020. Lai, the founder of Apple Daily newspaper, is facing charges of conspiracy and sedition under the security law and could potentially face life imprisonment.
Lai testified that he believed US sanctions targeting the Chinese government could possibly deter Beijing from proceeding with the security law that was a response to the pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019. He mentioned that he viewed the sanctions as a way to potentially reverse the enactment of the law, even though he acknowledged that it might not entirely stop it.
The court also heard about Lai’s text exchanges with his co-defendant, Chan Tsz-wah, who later became a prosecution witness. Lai had mentioned in these messages about anticipating more severe sanctions from the US, hoping that they would influence Beijing’s decision regarding the security law. Prosecutors have accused Lai of soliciting foreign actions against Beijing and Hong Kong officials.
Additionally, Lai denied arranging a meeting between Chan and a former Taiwanese minister, stating that he only facilitated it upon Chan’s request. He refuted claims that he provided a shell company as a reward for international lobbying efforts, asserting that it was given out of goodwill to assist Chan with his business challenges.
Furthermore, Lai distanced himself from an unofficial primary election held in 2020, where 45 democracy campaigners were sentenced for subversion. Despite Apple Daily’s coverage of the primary and organizing candidate forums, Lai claimed he was not personally familiar with many of the participants. However, the judge questioned this assertion, highlighting the newspaper’s extensive reports on the primary.
As the trial resumes, the defense is set to scrutinize Lai’s financial records with the international advocacy group Stand with Hong Kong (SWHK). Lai’s testimony sheds light on his perspectives and actions leading up to the implementation of the national security law and his involvement in various political events and interactions.
