Hong Kong media magnate and advocate for democracy, Jimmy Lai, completed his testimony in court on Thursday during a significant national security trial where he is charged with colluding with foreign entities and sedition.
The 144th day of the trial marked Lai’s 52nd day in the witness stand, after which he expressed gratitude to the judges and waved to his supporters.
At 77 years old, Lai, the founder of the Apple Daily newspaper which was shut down following a police raid and asset freeze in June 2021, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious material.
Lai, whose family describes his health as delicate, could face a life sentence under a national security law imposed by China. Several countries, including the U.S. and the United Kingdom, have urged for his immediate release, claiming the trial is politically motivated.
Lai’s situation has become a point of contention between the U.S. and China, with Donald Trump asserting he would “one hundred percent” facilitate Lai’s exit from the country.
Throughout weeks of testimonies, Lai spoke openly about issues including his defense of free speech and the press while denying the prosecution’s claims that he sought U.S. sanctions against Hong Kong and China.
He also maintained his resolve amid rigorous cross-examinations. In one instance, he referred to himself as a “political prisoner,” but Judge Esther Toh countered that assertion, stating that Lai was in court to address a criminal charge. Lai contended he was entitled to voice his disagreement.
Before concluding his cross-examination, prosecutor Anthony Chau summarized the three charges, the alleged conspiracies, and the individuals believed to be co-conspirators, asking Lai if he concurred with these claims.
“Of course I disagree. Completely absurd,” Lai responded.
He further mentioned that he was not even acquainted with one of the alleged co-conspirators, Andy Li.
Since December 2020, Lai has been held in solitary confinement for over 1,500 days.
Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, while in Hong Kong in January, urged Beijing to put an end to Lai’s suffering.
“Making a gesture like freeing Jimmy Lai would be the most impactful way in the short term to convey goodwill to the people of the United States or the free world,” Pence stated at a private investor conference, a recording of which was reviewed by Reuters.
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Hong Kong officials maintain that Lai’s trial is just and that the national security law has brought about stability following extensive pro-democracy protests in 2019.
Although a firm date for a verdict has not been established, a judge recently suggested that it might be delivered in October.
