“Parody of justice”. Hong Kong court finds former pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai guilty of insurrection and conspiracy
On Monday, December 15, a Hong Kong court found former pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai guilty of one count of insurrection and two counts of collusion with foreign forces in his trial for undermining national security, criticized by several Western countries, reports AFP.
Jimmy Lai. PHOTO EPA EFE
“There is no doubt in our minds that (Lai) has never deviated from his intention to destabilize the (Chinese Communist Party) government“, said judge Esther Toh, according to the foreign press agency, quoted by Agerpres.
“It's a shameful act of persecution”
On Monday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said of the Hong Kong court's ruling that it was “parody” of justice, after media mogul Jimmy Lai, imprisoned since late 2020, was convicted of three counts under the local national security law.
“This travesty of justice is a shameful act of persecution,” said Beh Lih Yi, Asia-Pacific director at CPJ, who believes that “the decision underscores Hong Kong's total disregard for press freedom, which should be protected by the city's mini-constitution.”
Jimmy Lai, owner of the Apple Daily newspaper, closed in 2021, is one of the best-known figures of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
