Jimmy Lai Testifies in National Security Trial

Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has testified for the first time in his trial under the contentious national security law, facing charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials, which could lead to life imprisonment. Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, asserted in court that his newspaper championed the 'core values' of Hong Kong, including freedom of speech and democracy, while denying support for Hong Kong independence. His trial coincides with the sentencing of 45 democracy activists, who were jailed for up to 10 years under similar charges, drawing international condemnation and highlighting the crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong. Lai's case is viewed as emblematic of the broader suppression of civil liberties since the imposition of the national security law by Beijing in 2020. Western countries, including the US and UK, have criticized Lai’s prosecution and called for his release, emphasizing concerns over his health and treatment in detention.