Never: In a historic trial
Never: In a historic trial, Jimmy Lai denies foreign collusion
One of Hong Kong’s most prominent pro-democracy activists.
Jimmy Lai, is on trial for a national security case and could receive a life sentence.
Allegations of collusion with foreign powers have been made against.
The 76-year-old founder of the now-defunct Hong Kong tabloid Apple Daily.
However, Lai said the court on Wednesday that he had “never” influenced Hong Kong’s foreign policy through his international relationships.
Who include former Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen and former US Vice President Mike Pence.
Despite having been through several trials since 2020.
Which have been criticized as being politically motivated in light of Beijing’s growing control over the city.
This is his first time testifying in court.
His hearing takes place a day after 45 pro-democracy activists, who were part of the Hong Kong 47.
Were sentenced in the city’s largest trial under the contentious national security law.
Lai entered the courthouse wearing a brown jacket and glasses, smiling and waving to his family and the crowd.
He appeared to be in a good mood and had lost a few pounds since his incarceration a few years prior.
Dozens of people lined up outside the court to express their support for the media tycoon.
Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, two of the most well-known figures in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
Were among the comparable number that attended the sentencing of the Hong Kong 47 on Tuesday.
Lai said “never” when asked if he had attempted to sway Hong Kong’s foreign policy through his network of international contacts.
Which includes high-ranking US officials and former Taiwan president Tsai.
When asked if he asked US Vice President Mike Pence anything during their meeting, Lai answered he didn’t.
He told the court, “When he questioned me, I would just tell him what happened in Hong Kong.”
“Not to do something but to say something, To voice support for Hong Kong.
He stated in response to a question concerning his meeting with then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo.
HK’s “fundamental values” were embodied by Apple Daily.
Lai entered a not guilty plea to two conspiracy charges of collaborating with foreign forces and a third count pertaining to his tabloid publication,
Apple Daily, which has been charged with printing seditious content. Lai’s trial is still underway.
Lai maintained that he was against violence and “never allowed” the employees of his newspaper to support Hong Kong independence.
Calling it “too absurd to think about” and a “plot.”
In fact, he continued, “the underlying ideals of Apple Daily are the core values of the people of Hong Kong.”
The “rule of law, freedom, pursuit of democracy.
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly” are among these ideals, he stated.
The tabloid was well-known for its support of democracy and shut down a year following Lai’s incarceration.
Authorities claimed Apple Daily’s publications broke the National Security Law in 2021.
Freezing the publication’s bank account and detaining important employees.
International attention has been drawn to Lai’s prosecution, and foreign governments and human rights organizations have called for his release.
In an October podcast, US President-elect Donald Trump declared that he would “100%” remove Lai from China.
Speaking to Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro this week.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has called Lai a “priority” for his government, voiced worries over Lai’s “deterioration.”
Lai’s weight loss and growing weakness during recent court appearances have prompted concerns about his health from his family and legal team.
Lai has been in solitary prison since late 2020 after receiving a previous jail sentence for offenses such as fraud and unauthorized assembly.
