Trial against Hong Kong publisher and activist Lai begins

Security Act - Trial against Hong Kong publisher and activist Lai begins

The trial of publisher and democracy activist Jimmy Lai for alleged violations of the Chinese special administrative region's controversial security law has begun in Hong Kong. The 76-year-old appeared before a court in the West Kowloon district on Monday, as the Hong Kong newspaper "South China Morning Post" and other media unanimously reported.

Lai is the founder of the pro-democracy Hong Kong newspaper "Apple Daily". The paper was forcibly shut down in 2021 after being targeted by the authorities for alleged breaches of security laws. Lai has already been sentenced to two prison terms and has been in prison for three years. If, as expected, Lai is also found guilty in the trial that is now beginning, he could face a life sentence in the worst case scenario. The trial, which has already been postponed several times, is expected to last into the new year.

Security law is directed against the opposition

The security law, which only came into force in 2020 in response to large demonstrations for more democracy, is directed against the pro-democracy opposition and against activities that Beijing considers to be subversive, separatist, terrorist or conspiratorial. Numerous activists have already been sentenced or fled abroad since the end of the protests.

Shortly before the start of the trial in the former British crown colony, the government in London demanded the publisher's immediate release. The politically motivated prosecution of Lai, who also holds a British passport, must be stopped immediately, said Foreign Secretary David Cameron in a statement late on Sunday evening.

David Cameron: China is breaking international obligations

The former Prime Minister expressed concern about the controversial law on the protection of national security, which Lai is alleged to have violated. China is breaking its international obligations, said Cameron. "It has damaged Hong Kong and significantly eroded rights and freedoms. Arrests under the law have silenced the voices of opposition."

A spokesman for Beijing's foreign ministry dismissed the criticism on Monday as "interference". Lai was the "main planner of the anti-China riots" and "the driving force behind the chaos in Hong Kong", said spokesman Wang Wenbin.

Reporters Without Borders speak of flimsy proceedings

The managing director of Reporters Without Borders, Christian Mihr, criticized the proceedings against Lai. "Shortly before this historic trial, it is more important than ever that the international community stands behind Jimmy Lai," Mihr said in a statement. "The court must abide by the rule of law and stop this flimsy trial."

Over the past three years, the authorities have used the Security Law and other laws as a pretext to persecute at least 28 journalists and defenders of press freedom in Hong Kong.

Since July 1, 1997, the former British crown colony has once again belonged to China and is governed according to the principle of "one country, two systems". This agreement actually provides for Hong Kongers to enjoy "a high degree of autonomy" and many freedoms for 50 years until 2047. However, since the Security Law was passed, many people have only been talking about "one country, one system".