Closing arguments have wrapped up in the trial of Jimmy Lai, a prominent businessman and pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong. Lai, who is 77 years old, faces serious charges under the controversial National Security Law (NSL), including colluding with foreign powers. If found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Lai’s journey began when he moved from mainland China to British Hong Kong at the age of 12, seeking a better life. He started working in a factory, eventually owning his own and later founding the popular fashion brand Giordano. Despite his wealth and homes in cities like London, Paris, and New York, Lai chose to fight for the democratic values he believes in, rather than live a quiet life.
In 1997, when Hong Kong was handed back to China, many feared for the city’s freedoms. Lai founded the Apple Daily newspaper to champion democracy and human rights. His outspoken stance, including his annual remembrance of the Tiananmen Massacre, made him a target for the Chinese government.
The NSL, enacted in 2020, has drastically changed the landscape for free speech in Hong Kong. It criminalizes actions deemed threatening to the government, leading to the arrest of hundreds of activists. Since the law’s implementation, the conviction rate in related trials has approached 100%. Lai was arrested in August 2020 on charges of collusion, a move many see as a direct attack on his dissent against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
While Lai could have fled Hong Kong, he chose to stay and continue his fight for freedom. He has stated, "I cannot cause trouble and then leave." His commitment to his cause has come at a great personal cost. Currently, he is held in solitary confinement, facing harsh prison conditions and health issues without adequate medical care.
As the court prepares to deliver its verdict, calls for international action to support Lai are growing. Political leaders in the West, including President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are urging for his release. Starmer, in particular, is under pressure to uphold the UK’s obligations to protect its citizens, as Lai holds a British passport.
There are suggestions for further measures, such as sanctions against officials involved in the NSL trials and reconsidering diplomatic relations with China. The situation is urgent; Lai’s health is deteriorating, and the possibility of a life sentence looms large.
The outcome of Lai’s trial could have broader implications for Hong Kong and its future. His case highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy in a city where freedoms are increasingly under threat. The West’s response may shape not only Lai’s fate but also the fight for liberty in Hong Kong and beyond.
