Hong Kong media mogul Lai defiant at collusion trial

NAMITA SINGH ALEXANDER BUTLER

The pro-democracy advocate and media tycoon Jimmy Lai testified for the first time in a national security trial that could see him jailed for life. Mr Lai, a British citizen and the founder of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, denied the charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials.

The 76-year-old is among the most high-profile figures targeted under the Beijing-imposed national security law, which came into force in 2020. Apple Daily was forced to close in 2021. Mr Lai’s testimony came just a day after Hong Kong jailed 45 prodemocracy activists for up to 10 years in a separate national security case. Both cases have been roundly condemned by Western nations as being politically motivated.

Speaking at the West Kowloon Magistrates Court, Mr Lai described how his principles, centred on the rule of law and freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly, shaped the newspaper’s mission.

“We were always in support of movements for freedom,” Mr Lai said, addressing a packed courtroom while dressed in a grey blazer.

Mr Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, speaking to The Independent, praised his father’s resilience. “Mentally, he seemed to be doing well. He's still very sharp; he gave a very strong testimony. And in the end, I think you could see his commitment to journalism and to the importance of journalism in Hong Kong.”