A judge has argued that an interpretation of Hong Kong’s national security law by Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s defence team may not reflect Beijing’s true intentions, after the former media boss’ lawyers argued that the legislation did not penalise calls for sanctions against select Chinese officials. Lai’s lawyers on Monday argued that a strict literal approach…
Former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying has conceded he was “too optimistic” to have once believed in Hong Kong’s future as a financial hub under the national security law, while dismissing “presumptuous” allegations that he foresaw his arrest would trigger foreign intervention. Lai, 77, also said on Thursday he did not believe the central and…
Former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying has said he opposed Washington’s decision to end Hong Kong’s preferential trade treatment after the national security law was adopted in 2020 as the US’ move would make the city more vulnerable to mainland Chinese “interference”. Lai told his high-profile national security trial on Tuesday that he had hoped…