Trial against media entrepreneur and democracy activist Lai begins in Hong Kong
Lai is one of the best-known activists in Hong Kong's democracy movement, which has now been brought to a de facto standstill by the authorities under massive pressure. If convicted, the millionaire faces life imprisonment. The founder of the "Apple Daily" newspaper has already been sentenced to several prison terms in the past, most recently in December 2022.
The USA and the UK called for Lai's release in the run-up to the trial that has now begun. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron spoke of an attempt to restrict the entrepreneur's freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. "I call on the authorities in Hong Kong to stop the prosecution and release Jimmy Lai," Cameron said.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the crackdown on press freedom had undermined "democratic institutions" in Hong Kong and "damaged Hong Kong's reputation as an international business and financial center". The authorities must release Lai and all those imprisoned "for defending their rights".
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- Jimmy Lai, the democracy activist and media entrepreneur from Hong Kong, is currently on trial for his actions.
- The trial against Lai has garnered attention from international figures, such as British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who has urged for his release.
- In a statement, Cameron expressed concern over the attempt to restrict Lai's freedom of expression and freedom of assembly in Hong Kong.
- The USA and UK have also expressed their support for Lai, with US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller condemning the crackdown on press freedom in the region.
- Lai, who is the founder of "Apple Daily" newspaper, has a history of prison sentences related to his activism, including a recent one in December 2022.
- If convicted in this latest trial, Lai faces the possibility of life imprisonment, a severe sentence that raises concerns for democracy activists worldwide.
- The trial and potential imprisonment of Lai are being closely watched by media outlets, including the AFP, which has reported on the developments in Peking.
Source: www.stern.de
