Hong Kong media tycoon testifies in major security case that shocked Asia
Long-time media figure **Jimmy Lai** takes stand in Hong-Kong court about foreign-influence claims. His testimony comes after his newspaper closed and he spent years behind bars
In a high-stakes court hearing on Nov 21st Jimmy Lai spoke against claims that he planned foreign-sanctions targets (a key point in his national-security case)
The 77-year old ex-publisher who started the pro-democracy paper Apple Daily faces serious accusations: heʼs charged with working with foreign powers and making trouble-causing publications. The court meeting — which is getting lots of attention from world media — shows how Hong-Kong has changed since the big street actions of 19
- Foreign influence charges
- Making bad publications
- Working against national safety rules
Its been roughly 4 years since police took Lai to jail during a time when Hong-Kong was dealing with after-effects of major protests; his paper had to close its doors not long after. The mega-trial which could end in a life-long prison term shows how the citys press world has changed — many news groups either left or changed how they work
The hearing which started yesterday brings up questions about press rights in the area: Lai who ran his news company for many years is now stuck in a legal fight that media groups say will affect how reporters do their jobs in Hong Kong
