Controversial security law – Hong Kong: Trial against pro-democracy Jimmy Lai begins – News


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The 76-year-old publisher and activist faces life imprisonment. Criticism comes from the West, justification from China.

He has long been a red flag for the Chinese leadership: Jimmy Lai. He is the founder of the pro-democracy Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily. The paper was forced to shut down in 2021 after it was targeted by the authorities for alleged violations of security law.

The security law, which only came into force in 2020 in response to large demonstrations for more democracy, is directed against the pro-democracy opposition and against activities that Beijing sees as subversive, separatist, terrorist or conspiratorial. Since the end of the protests, numerous activists have already been sentenced or have fled abroad.

The 2019 Hong Kong protests


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The protests began in March 2019 after the government in Hong Kong wanted to pass a new law. This would have allowed prisoners who are to be tried to be extradited and brought before a Chinese court.

Human rights groups, entrepreneurs and investors, lawyers, religious groups – all feared for the special status that Hong Kong enjoys in China. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets again and again.

They did not stop even when the government shelved the law and suspended its consideration in Parliament. People continued to protest and violent clashes broke out more and more often.

The pandemic brought down the protests

It was only the Covid pandemic and the associated measures such as social distancing that brought the protests to a complete standstill. The protesters’ demands remained unfulfilled.

As a result, China introduced a national security law for Hong Kong in June 2020. The law, which can be interpreted very broadly, allows courts to punish subversion, secession, terrorism and cooperation with foreign powers with up to life imprisonment.

Lai has already been sentenced to two prison terms and has been in prison for three years. If, as expected, Lai is found guilty in the trial that is now beginning, in the worst case scenario he could face life in prison.

Legend:

Jimmy Lai in February 2021 after leaving the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong. Lai was remanded in custody and has applied for bail after being accused of colluding with foreign forces.

EPA/JEROME FAVRE

Shortly before the trial began in the former British crown colony, the government in London demanded the publisher’s immediate release. The politically motivated prosecution of Lai, who also has a British passport, must be stopped immediately, said Foreign Minister David Cameron in a statement late on Sunday evening.

Arrests under the security law have silenced opposition voices.

The former prime minister expressed concern about the controversial national security law, which Lai is said to have violated. China is breaking its international obligations, said Cameron. “It has damaged Hong Kong and significantly undermined rights and freedoms. Arrests under the law have silenced the voices of the opposition.”

The seemingly unbroken Jimmy Lai


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“Jimmy Lai is one of the most prominent and probably one of the harshest critics of Beijing,” explains freelance journalist Fabian Kretschmer to Radio SRF. “He is probably the last person who has not changed his attitude despite being sentenced to prison. He is virtually unbroken. And that’s why his trial is seen as a test for press freedom in Hong Kong and also for the rule of law.”

Kretschmer says Beijing’s aim now is to set an example. “Most of the opposition forces in Hong Kong have already fallen silent. You moved abroad. Some of them have also been arrested, are in prison or have retreated into private life. And Jimmy Lai is basically sticking to it. He is still critical. He doesn’t bend. I think this is a thorn in Beijing’s side.”

A spokesman for the Beijing Foreign Ministry dismissed the criticism on Monday as “interference.” Lai is the “main planner of the anti-Chinese unrest” and “the driving force behind the chaos in Hong Kong,” said spokesman Wang Wenbin.

The managing director of Reporters Without Borders Germany, Christian Mihr, criticized the proceedings against Lai. “As we approach this historic process, it is more important than ever that the international community stands behind Jimmy Lai,” said a statement. “The court must adhere to the rule of law and stop this flimsy procedure.”

One country, two systems?

Since July 1, 1997, the former British crown colony has been part of the People’s Republic of China again. Hong Kong is governed according to the principle of “one country, two systems”.

This agreement actually stipulates that Hong Kong residents will enjoy “a high degree of autonomy” and many freedoms for 50 years until 2047. However, since the security law was passed, many people have only talked about “one country, one system”.

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