Hong Kong court begins hearing final arguments in Jimmy Lai’s national security trial
Associated Press2 days
Hong Kong Court Hears Final Arguments in Jimmy Lai Trial
Above: Jimmy Lai attends West Kowloon court on Oct. 15, 2020. Image copyright: Tommy Walker/NurPhoto/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
This trial represents a clear assault on press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong. Lai's only crime was running a newspaper that criticized the government and meeting with foreign officials, activities that should be protected under basic democratic principles. The prolonged detention in solitary confinement of a 77-year-old man with deteriorating health shows the authoritarian nature of this prosecution.
Pro-China narrative
Lai orchestrated a systematic campaign to undermine China's sovereignty by actively soliciting foreign sanctions and hostile activities against Hong Kong and mainland China. His actions went far beyond normal journalism — involving deliberate collusion with foreign forces to destabilize the region during the 2019 riots. The national security law was necessary to restore stability and prevent such seditious activities.