Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate, has been testifying in a landmark national security trial where he is accused of colluding with foreign forces and sedition. Lai, founder of the Apple Daily newspaper, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and faces a possible life sentence under China’s national security law. The trial has garnered international attention, with countries like the U.S. and Britain calling for his release. Lai has been vocal about his defense of free speech and media, denying allegations that he lobbied the U.S. for sanctions on Hong Kong and China.
Lai’s trial has become a point of contention between the U.S. and China, with former Vice President Mike Pence calling for his release. Lai, who has been held in solitary confinement for over 1,500 days, insists on his innocence and has expressed disagreement with the charges against him. The trial has been ongoing for 144 days, with Lai spending 52 days in the witness box. Despite his fragile health, Lai has remained defiant in the face of cross-examination, claiming to be a “political prisoner” at one point, which was dismissed by a judge.
The Hong Kong authorities maintain that Lai’s trial is fair and that the national security law has brought stability after the 2019 pro-democracy protests. While no firm date has been set for a verdict, a judge hinted that it could come in October. Lai’s case is seen as a test of Hong Kong’s autonomy under Chinese rule and has raised concerns about the erosion of freedoms in the region.
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