Hong Kong Media Executive Jimmy Lai Convicted Under National Security Law
Hong Kong media executive Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, has been convicted of collusion with foreign forces under the city's National Security Law (NSL). Lai, 78, has been in custody since December 2020 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment, with sentencing anticipated early next year.
Court Findings and Allegations
The court determined that Lai utilized his media platform, the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, as part of efforts to lobby foreign governments for the imposition of sanctions against Hong Kong and China. During the proceedings, Judge Esther Toh stated on Monday that Lai "harboured hatred" for the People's Republic of China, citing his "constant invitation to the US to help bring down the government of the PRC with the excuse of helping the people of Hong Kong."
Lai, in his November testimony, denied all accusations, asserting that he had "never" used his international contacts to influence foreign policy concerning Hong Kong. He recounted a meeting with then-US Vice President Mike Pence, stating he relayed events in Hong Kong when asked. Regarding a meeting with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Lai indicated he requested Pompeo "not to do something but to say something, to voice support for Hong Kong."
Statements from Officials and Rights Groups
Following the verdict, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the decision, stating that Lai's actions "damaged the country's interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers." Conversely, human rights organizations characterized the trial as "a cruel judicial farce."
Elaine Pearson, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, stated that the Chinese government "abused Jimmy Lai with the aim of silencing all those who dare to criticise the CCP [Chinese Communist Party]." She called for governments to pressure authorities to withdraw the case and release Lai.
National Security Law Context
The National Security Law was implemented in Hong Kong in 2020 following months of pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019. Beijing presented the law as essential for stability. Critics, including human rights groups, argue the NSL has been used to suppress dissent. The law was enacted without consultation with the Hong Kong legislature and grants authorities broad powers to address actions perceived as threats to national security or governmental stability.
Lai was accused of violating the NSL through his involvement in the 2019 protests and via Apple Daily, a publication associated with the pro-democracy movement. The Monday ruling also included a conviction for publishing seditious material on Apple Daily under a separate colonial-era law.
Trial Dynamics and International Response
The trial of Jimmy Lai has been viewed as a significant test of judicial independence in Hong Kong, particularly since 2019 when mainland China increased its influence over the city. While Hong Kong authorities maintain the integrity of the rule of law, critics note the high conviction rate in NSL cases and the denial of bail, including for Lai, despite concerns raised by his family and rights groups about his health. Lai's son, Sebastien, previously stated his father's health was deteriorating.
The Hong Kong government has also faced criticism for its policy requiring prior permission for foreign lawyers to work on NSL cases, a policy it justified as a national security measure. This resulted in Lai being denied his preferred UK-based lawyer.
Western governments, including the United Kingdom and the United States, have advocated for Lai's release, requests that have been rejected by Beijing and Hong Kong authorities.
After the verdict, the chief of Hong Kong's national security police stated that Lai had "fabricated news" for "political goals." Mainland China's state-run Global Times quoted a Hong Kong election committee member who asserted that the case conveys a "clear message" that "any attempt to split the country or undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability will be met with severe punishment under the law."