Hong Kong media executive Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the city's National Security Law (NSL). Mr. Lai, 78, has been in custody since December 2020 and had entered a plea of not guilty. He faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment, with sentencing anticipated in early 2025.
Court Findings
The court determined that Mr. Lai utilized his former newspaper, Apple Daily, as part of efforts to advocate for foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. During the proceedings, Judge Esther Toh stated on December 10 that there was "no doubt" Mr. 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's Defense
In his November testimony, Mr. Lai denied the charges, stating he had "never" used foreign contacts to influence foreign policy regarding Hong Kong. He described his meeting with then-US Vice President Mike Pence as an exchange where he "just relay[ed] to him what happened in Hong Kong when he asked me." Regarding a meeting with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Mr. Lai stated he asked Mr. Pompeo "not to do something but to say something, to voice support for Hong Kong."
Background on the National Security Law
Mr. Lai, a British citizen, was a figure in the 2019 protests in Hong Kong. Following months of demonstrations, Beijing introduced the NSL, enacting it without consultation with the Hong Kong legislature. The law grants authorities broad powers to address actions perceived as threats to the city's security and governmental stability. Mr. Lai was accused of violating the NSL through his involvement in the protests and via Apple Daily, a publication associated with the pro-democracy movement. The ruling also found Mr. Lai guilty of publishing seditious material in Apple Daily under a colonial-era law.
Reactions to the Verdict
Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee acknowledged the verdict, stating Mr. Lai's actions "damaged the country's interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers." Human Rights Watch Asia Director Elaine Pearson asserted that the Chinese government had "abused Jimmy Lai with the aim of silencing all those who dare to criticise the CCP [Chinese Communist Party]" and urged governments to pressure authorities to withdraw the case and release him. Western governments, including the UK and US, have previously called for Mr. Lai's release, a request that Beijing and Hong Kong have consistently rejected.
Judicial Process and Criticisms
Mr. Lai's trial occurred amid ongoing discussions concerning the independence of Hong Kong's judiciary, which critics allege has increasingly aligned with Beijing's directives since 2019. Hong Kong authorities maintain the integrity of the rule of law. However, critics reference the detention of hundreds of activists under the NSL and its conviction rate, which was nearly 100% as of May this year. Bail has frequently been denied in NSL cases, including Mr. Lai's, despite concerns raised by rights groups and his family regarding his health. Reports indicate Mr. Lai has been held in solitary confinement, and his son, Sebastien, previously stated that his father's "body is breaking down" and expressed concern he "will die in prison."
Furthermore, the Hong Kong government has received criticism for requiring prior permission for foreign lawyers to work on NSL cases, citing national security risks. This policy led to Mr. Lai being denied his chosen UK-based lawyer. Mr. Lai is now among numerous individuals from the city's pro-democracy movement who have received prison sentences under the NSL.
Official Statements Post-Verdict
Following the verdict, the chief of Hong Kong's national security police addressed the media, stating that Mr. Lai had "fabricated news" to pursue "political goals." Concurrently, mainland state-run Global Times quoted a Hong Kong election committee member who conveyed that the case sends a "clear message": "Any attempt to split the country or undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability will be met with severe punishment under the law."