Jimmy Lai defends ‘grim’ predictions for Hong Kong’s deprivation of freedom
Jimmy Lai, the former media boss of Apple Daily, defended his predictions that Hong Kong would lose its rule of law and status as an international financial hub under the national security law. He rejected prosecutors' claims that he stirred up fear among residents regarding Beijing's control over the city during his ongoing national security trial.
Lai is facing conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces and conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications. Prosecutors are using his commentary articles and a live broadcast interview to argue that he intended to incite disaffection towards authorities with unfounded remarks. Tensions rose during the trial as Lai defended his comparisons between Hong Kong and Xinjiang, maintaining his predictions were not without basis, leading to a rebuke from Madam Justice Esther Toh Lye-ping for making gratuitous allegations against prosecutors.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Jimmy Lai, the former media boss of Apple Daily, defended his predictions that Hong Kong would lose its rule of law and status as an international financial hub under the national security law. He rejected prosecutors' claims that he stirred up fear among residents regarding Beijing's control over the city during his ongoing national security trial.
Lai is facing conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces and conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications. Prosecutors are using his commentary articles and a live broadcast interview to argue that he intended to incite disaffection towards authorities with unfounded remarks. Tensions rose during the trial as Lai defended his comparisons between Hong Kong and Xinjiang, maintaining his predictions were not without basis, leading to a rebuke from Madam Justice Esther Toh Lye-ping for making gratuitous allegations against prosecutors.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
