Jimmy Lai’s Fight for Freedom: The High-Stakes Trial Of A Media Maverick

Jimmy Lai, the defiant Hong Kong media tycoon whose now-shuttered Apple Daily was a persistent critic of Beijing, took the stand on Wednesday in a landmark national security trial that could result in a life sentence. 

The 77-year-old, a staunch advocate of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and an outspoken critic of Chinese leadership, made his first public appearance since his arrest nearly four years ago during the city's intensifying crackdown on dissent. Dressed in a green cardigan and brown blazer, Lai appeared thinner but smiled and waved to supporters in a packed courtroom gallery. Among them were his wife, daughter, and Cardinal Joseph Zen, a longtime friend and vocal democracy advocate.

Charges and Defense  

Lai faces two counts of colluding with foreign forces under the national security law imposed in 2020, along with a separate sedition charge. Pleading not guilty, he risks a maximum life sentence if convicted.  

On the stand, Lai refuted allegations of advocating independence for Hong Kong or Taiwan, dismissing them as a “conspiracy” to entrap him. He emphasized his opposition to violence during the 2019 anti-government protests and stated he never permitted his staff at Apple Daily to promote such ideas.  

“This idea of independence is crazy,” Lai said. “I never allowed our newspaper to cross that line.”

A Rare Platform to Speak Out  

Unlike in the U.S., where defendants often avoid testifying, Lai’s testimony offered a rare opportunity to address the public in a judicial system where pre-trial detentions can stretch for years, and defendants face strict gag orders. His testimony comes amid a broader crackdown, with over 40 prominent pro-democracy figures sentenced earlier this week to terms of up to 10 years.

International Attention  

The trial has garnered international attention, with calls for Lai’s release from global leaders. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently raised Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit, expressing concern about Lai’s deteriorating health. U.S. officials, including Donald Trump, who recently returned to the presidency, have vowed to advocate for Lai. Trump has declared he would “100%” secure Lai’s release if re-elected, although he provided no specifics.

Symbol of Resistance  

Lai’s courtroom testimony shed light on his vision for Apple Daily, which he described as championing democracy, personal freedoms, and the rule of law. He recounted founding the paper in 1995 after witnessing the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, stating his belief that “information empowers freedom.”  

Prosecutors argue that Apple Daily violated national security laws by advocating foreign sanctions against Hong Kong’s leaders. However, Lai’s defense asserts that any lobbying efforts ceased once the law came into effect.  

A Divisive Figure  

To Beijing, Lai has long been an agitator. As a wealthy businessman turned media mogul, he openly criticized China’s leadership and lobbied overseas for support during the 2019 protests. His high-profile meetings with U.S. leaders, including then-Vice President Mike Pence, further infuriated Chinese officials.  

Beijing and Hong Kong authorities claim the national security law has restored stability after the 2019 unrest, but critics argue it has severely eroded freedoms and silenced dissent. Lai’s trial, conducted without a jury and overseen by judges selected by a national security committee, symbolizes this new legal reality.

A Voice for Freedom  

Supporters see Lai as embodying the spirit of Hong Kong. One woman, waiting in line since 4 a.m. to witness the trial, described him as “the voice of truth in a city where it’s been silenced.” Lai, however, remains resolute, using his time on the stand to highlight the values he fought for.

“Freedom is knowing,” Lai told the court. “And the more you know, the freer you are.”  

His trial continues, but its outcome will resonate far beyond the courtroom, symbolizing the future of Hong Kong’s freedoms under Beijing’s tightening grip.