Hong Kong’s pro-democracy media tycoon, Jimmy Lai, is in the final stage of his national security trial, viewed as a hero by some and a traitor by others. Closing arguments for Lai, accused of colluding with foreign forces under a Beijing-imposed national security law, were due to begin on Thursday but were postponed due to a “black” rainstorm warning from a typhoon. If the warning isn’t lifted by 11:00 local time (03:00 GMT), the hearings will stay adjourned for the rest of the day.
The trial has attracted global attention, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer advocating for Lai’s release. The 77-year-old holds both British and Chinese citizenship, but China overlooks dual nationality, considering Lai solely Chinese. Detained since December 2020, Lai faces a potential life sentence if convicted. Critics argue that Lai’s prosecution exemplifies how Hong Kong’s legal system is used to stifle political dissent.
Lai, a relentless critic of China, contrasts with other Hong Kong tycoons by being a vocal advocate for democracy. “I’m a born rebel,” he told the BBC in 2020, hours before facing charges. He is the most prominent individual charged under the contentious national security law, enacted by China in 2020 following large protests in Hong Kong the previous year. This legislation criminalizes a wide array of dissenting actions deemed subversive or secessionist by Beijing, though critics assert it effectively bans dissent.
Lai’s son, Sebastien, has been vocal in calling for his father’s release. In February, he urged Sir Keir Starmer and then-US President Donald Trump to intervene, citing his father’s deteriorating health. Ahead of the trial on Thursday, Sebastien claimed that even a five-year sentence would equate to a death penalty, given Lai’s age, adding that it could impact China-UK relations by reflecting poorly on the UK for not supporting one of its most courageous individuals.
Lai’s journey from rags to riches began when he fled his village in southern China at 12 and stowed away to Hong Kong. After starting with menial jobs, he founded the multi-million-dollar clothing empire Giordano. Lai became a democracy advocate following the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, launching influential publications like Next magazine and Apple Daily.
Despite mainland threats to his business, Lai remained a vocal critic through his media ventures. He earned admiration in Hong Kong but was seen as a traitor in mainland China. Despite being targeted by masked attackers and an assassination plot, Lai continued to express his views and participated in pro-democracy protests, leading to two arrests in 2021.
When the national security law was enacted in 2020, Lai called it the “death knell” for Hong Kong, warning of increased corruption and damage to the city’s financial status. Known for his boldness, in 2021, he urged Donald Trump to intervene, appealing via a front-page letter in Apple Daily. Lai felt indebted to Hong Kong for the opportunities it provided him, expressing a desire to defend its freedoms.
Since 2020, Lai has faced multiple charges, including unauthorized assembly and fraud, resulting in his ongoing detention. His trial has garnered international attention, with calls for his release from rights groups and foreign governments. Sebastien Lai has traveled globally to campaign against his father’s arrest, insisting his father is imprisoned for speaking the truth and championing freedom.