Bad weather has delayed closing arguments in the long-running show trial of Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s “pro-democracy media tycoon” and former publisher of the Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily. He is accused of resisting tyranny (what the Chinese Communist Party calls “subversion” and “collusion,” etc.) (“Jimmy Lai: Trial of Hong Kong’s rebel mogul delayed by typhoon,” August 14, 2025)
In a local media landscape increasingly fearful of Beijing, Lai had been a persistent critic of Chinese authorities both through his publications and writing.
This has seen him become a hero for many in Hong Kong, who view him as a man of courage who took great risks to defend the freedoms of the city.
But on the mainland he is viewed as a “traitor” who threatens Chinese national security….
Lai has been slapped with various charges—including unauthorised assembly and fraud—since 2020.
He has been in custody since December of that year.
The prosecution of Lai has captured international attention, with rights groups and foreign governments urging his release.
Over the years, Sebastien Lai [shown above] has travelled the world to denounce his father’s arrest and condemn Hong Kong for punishing “characteristics that should be celebrated”.
“My father is in jail for the truth on his lips, courage in his heart, and freedom in his soul,” he had said.
Perhaps all of us must “betray” evil men and institutions in order to be loyal to ourselves.
Unless Jimmy Lai, 77, is released at the end of the trial despite all indications to the contrary, he will almost certainly die in prison.
Also see:
Acton Institute: Video: The Hong Konger: Jimmy Lai’s Extraordinary Struggle for Freedom
