Jailed media tycoon, Jimmy Lai, has strongly denied allegations that he instructed his staff at Apple Daily newspaper to advocate for Western sanctions on Hong Kong during his national security trial. The 76-year-old tycoon faced two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish “seditious” materials under the national security law imposed by Beijing. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
During the trial, Lai refuted claims made by his former senior staffers, including ex-Next Digital CEO Cheung Kim-hung and ex-editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee, who testified against him in exchange for leniency. Cheung alleged that Lai wanted foreign countries to take hostile actions, including sanctions, against China. However, Lai denied ever making such statements, emphasizing that he only discussed featuring more negative news in the English edition of Apple Daily, which launched before the security law was enacted.
Lai also clarified his intentions behind launching the English edition, stating that he aimed to provide a platform for international support to the democracy movement in Hong Kong. He expressed that credibility and truth were paramount in journalism, rather than providing a balanced view. Additionally, Lai explained his use of Twitter and denied opening the account to increase his personal influence, but rather to inform a larger audience about the situation in Hong Kong.
The trial also delved into records of workplace communication application Slack regarding meetings Lai had with senior staffers, which prosecution witnesses claimed involved editorial direction. Lai defended these meetings as business development discussions, and his lawyer assured the court that there was no evidence of editorial interference in the records. The court requested both parties to streamline the process of examining the Slack records to expedite proceedings.
The national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong in 2020 has sparked widespread criticism and led to a crackdown on dissent. The legislation criminalized actions such as subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces, and terrorist acts, resulting in a wave of arrests and the disappearance of civil society groups. Despite claims by authorities that the law restored stability, it has been condemned by trade partners, the UN, and NGOs for its impact on press freedom and human rights in the city.
As the trial of Jimmy Lai continues, the case remains a focal point in the debate over the implications of the national security law on freedom of the press and democracy in Hong Kong. Lai’s steadfast denial of the allegations against him underscores the challenges faced by journalists and media organizations operating in an increasingly restrictive environment.
