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The trial of media entrepreneur and democracy activist Jimmy Lai has begun in Hong Kong. The 76-year-old smiled and waved as he entered the court on Monday, a journalist from the AFP news agency reported at the scene. Lai is accused of several counts of “collaboration with foreign forces” – a crime dating back to the so-called national security law passed in Beijing in 2020 after mass pro-democracy protests.
Lai is one of the best-known activists in Hong Kong’s democracy movement, which has since been brought to a de facto standstill under enormous pressure from the authorities. If convicted, the millionaire faces life in prison. The founder of the ‘Apple Daily’ newspaper has been sentenced to various prison terms in the past, most recently in December 2022.
West demands release
The US and Britain called for Lai’s release ahead of the trial that has now begun. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron (57) spoke about an attempt to restrict entrepreneurs’ freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.
The former British prime minister raised concerns about the controversial national security law, which Lai is alleged to have breached. China is violating its international obligations, Cameron said. “It has damaged Hong Kong and significantly undermined its rights and freedoms. Arrests under the law have silenced the voices of the opposition.” Cameron said: “I call on the authorities in Hong Kong to stop the prosecution and release Jimmy Lai.”
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, 49, 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.” . Authorities must release Lai and all those imprisoned “for defending their rights.” (AFP)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
