Hong Kong media boss speaks up: What Jimmy Lai told the court about US meetings

Hong Kongs media figure Jimmy Lai made his first-ever court statement in a high-profile security case which started around 2 years ago. The 77-year-old ex-owner of pro-democracy paper faced judges at West Kowloon court (where hundreds of police were on stand-by)

In his long-awaited testimony Lai explained his meetings with top-ranked US officials that happened bout 5 years ago: “I didnt dare ask vice-president Pence for anything specific — I just told him whats going on in Hong Kong when he asked“. His contacts with then-secretary Pompeo were also straight-forward he said

The court heard about Lais connection to Taiwanʼs ex-leader Tsai Ing-wen: he tried to set-up back-channel talks between Trumpʼs team and Taipei officials. The media boss described his basic values which matched Hong Kongers beliefs — rule of law free speech and assembly rights

• No asking for sanctions against China
• No support for independence movements
• Only sharing information about situation

Around hundred people waited in rain to watch the trial; many saw Lai as peoples voice through his now-closed Apple Daily paper. Representatives from seven western countries attended the hearing which shows big international interest in this case that could lead to life-long jail term

I would not dare to ask the vice president to do anything

The timing is important — just one day before Lais testimony court gave up-to-10-year sentences to 45 pro-democracy supporters in different security case. Heʼs already doing almost 6-year term for business-related charge