Jimmy Lai Takes Stand in High-Stakes National Security Trial

Jimmy Lai, the prominent pro-democracy advocate and founder of the shuttered Apple Daily, has taken the stand for the first time in a national security trial that could result in a life sentence. Accused of collusion with foreign forces, Lai insists that he championed core values of freedom and democracy through his media platform.

Jimmy Lai, the 76-year-old founder of the now-defunct Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily, testified on Wednesday in a national security trial that could lead to a life sentence. Lai stands accused of colluding with foreign entities through his media platform to challenge the Hong Kong government. Notably, this is his inaugural court testimony despite facing multiple trials since 2020, perceived as politically motivated efforts to silence dissent.

Lai is regarded as a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, which has faced a harsh clampdown from Beijing in recent years. His court appearance comes closely on the heels of sentencing for 45 pro-democracy activists, part of the larger group known as the Hong Kong 47, in the city's most significant trial under the national security law.

The prosecution alleges that articles published by Apple Daily, which supported the large-scale pro-democracy protests that erupted in the city in 2019, posed a threat to national stability in Beijing's eyes. During his testimony, Lai emphasized his opposition to violence and dismissed calls for Hong Kong independence as "too crazy to think about." He asserted that the foundational values of Apple Daily align with those of the people in Hong Kong, including principles like rule of law, freedom of speech, and the pursuit of democracy.

Lai expressed that his purpose in entering the media realm was to "participate in delivering freedom." If convicted of collusion, he could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment.