5th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) Jimmy Lai, the founder of Next Digital, is facing trial for three charges, including collusion with foreign forces and publishing seditious material, under the National Security Law. Today marks the 103rd day of the proceedings, during which Lai continues to represent himself.
Lai admitted to describing the Chinese government as “shameless and untrustworthy” in his column and referred to local education as a “brainwashing tool.” However, he denied any intent to incite hatred, claiming his statements were factual. He also acknowledged that he had told a Japanese magazine that the implementation of the National Security Law would signal the end for Hong Kong.
In court today, Lai responded to questions from his barrister, Steven Kwan. He recounted an article published in his column titled “Hong Kong People in a Stranglehold: Escape or Resist,” where he referred to the Chinese regime as “shameless and untrustworthy” and described Britain as the “colonial master.” Lai explained that his criticism was aimed at the Chinese government, asserting that the promises made under the Basic Law had been rendered meaningless. He maintained that his comments about education were based on the fact that all books are subject to censorship, reiterating that he had no intention to incite hatred.
The defence played a video from June 2020 showing Lai addressing employees at the Next Digital headquarters, where he stated, “No one forces you to be a martyr,” and encouraged them to act according to their conscience. Lai clarified that he did not invite staff to participate in protests, emphasising that their safety was more important than the newspaper’s interests.
During the same period, Lai participated in an online discussion with American priest Robert Sirico, where he welcomed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to sanction China over the spread of COVID-19. He argued that the primary focus should be on granting the Chinese people freedom of speech to help prevent the virus’s transmission. Lai described his remarks as suggestions and denied requesting a boycott of the Chinese government, affirming his belief in the importance of free expression for the Chinese populace.
Additionally, a co-defendant, Yeung Ching-kee, testified that Lai had expressed a lack of fear regarding potential arrest, believing that Western nations would intervene. Lai denied making such statements, labelling them as mere imagination. Another co-defendant, Chan Tsz-wah, claimed that Lai had persuaded him to continue activities that he felt were illegal. Lai refuted this account, insisting that he consistently advised caution to colleagues and friends.
In the same month, Apple Daily published an article in which Lai stated, “The implementation of the National Security Law is the death knell for Hong Kong,” arguing that fairness and justice would collapse under a regime of personal rule. Lai agreed that the report accurately reflected his views. Regarding an online programme titled “Live Chat With Jimmy Lai,” he mentioned that the idea was suggested by others, possibly Mark Simon or another associate.
