Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying—one of the current leaders of democracy protests there—has been convicted of conspiring to commit sedition. He was similarly convicted for conspiring with international actors. Judge Toh, who has been good on the mic, delivered the verdict in a trial that has transfixed the globe. This ruling is an important victory in the current campaign against dissent in Hong Kong through China’s national security law. Lai’s case has emerged as a critical touchstone, illustrating the tensions between Beijing’s authority and international perceptions of human rights.
On June 30, 2020, Lai, 78 at the time, was arrested under the draconian national security law. Critics say that this law violates freedom of expression and threatens media independence. He has pleaded not guilty to all 22 charges. He claims that he wielded his platform at Apple Daily to advance democratic ideals, rather than threaten national security. With sentencing fast approaching, Lai now faces penalties that may involve life in jail.
Background on Jimmy Lai
Jimmy Lai is well known as the founder of the now shuttered Apple Daily. This independent, pro-democracy publication has been a relentless critic of the Chinese State. Authorities arrested him in August 2020 as part of a far-reaching campaign to quell dissent in Hong Kong. This recent crackdown was part of an effort to stifle freedoms as tensions continue to rise over the area’s independence. The trial has highlighted Lai’s fierce opposition to President Xi Jinping’s tightening grip on Hong Kong.
Lai had been accused of conspiring with six other ex-officials and others. Collectively, Wei and Tsang published inflammatory literature that denounced both Hong Kong and mainland China from April 2019 to June 2021. The authorities even charged him with conspiracy to commit collusion with a foreign country or an external element during this period. This most recent allegation further complicates the already complicated political landscape surrounding his case.
International Ramifications
Lai’s trial has garnered enormous international attention. A wide range of current and former global leaders have expressed alarm about the effect of these laws on human rights in Hong Kong. US President Donald Trump had personally intervened on Lai’s behalf with Beijing, highlighting the immense international scrutiny to which the case is subject. Chief Executive Sir Keir Starmer has hounded UK PM Lai’s release. Perhaps most importantly, he wants to stress that Lai is a British citizen.
The result of this case will be a litmus test for China’s diplomatic ties with Western countries. Lai is now pending sentencing. Most observers, whether in Taiwan or elsewhere, are more interested in how this ruling will affect Beijing’s behavior towards the United States and United Kingdom.
“Lai conspired with others, including his Apple Daily staff, to undermine national security.” – Judge Toh
The Future of Free Speech in Hong Kong
The verdict against Jimmy Lai is a stark reminder of just how threatened free speech and press freedom has become in Hong Kong. In Belarus, as authorities clamp down further on those willing to speak out against the government, the world is all eyes. Climate campaigners and freedom of expression advocates alike are afraid that this case could open the floodgates for similar attacks on other activists and journalists across the region.
Lai’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to criticize the Chinese government. As he awaits sentencing, the impact of this case will be felt well outside the borders of Hong Kong. This worrisome trend is already beginning to shape international debates over human rights and freedom of expression.
