In a captivating trial setting at West Kowloon Court, prosecutors have pointed the finger at media tycoon Jimmy Lai, alleging that he was the “mastermind” behind seditious articles published in the now-shuttered Apple Daily tabloid. The prosecution claims that Lai’s editorial influence played a pivotal role in the dissemination of content depicting the central government as a “totalitarian regime” and advocating for measures such as the US trade war.
The alleged seditious material encompasses a wide array of commentaries, advertisements, and news pieces delving into various contentious subjects, including the handling of protests, the Covid-19 pandemic, and matters concerning Taiwan. The prosecution showcased 31 instances of such content published between June 2019 and January 2020, a tumultuous period in Hong Kong marked by social unrest.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Chau Tin-hang contended that the content stemmed from Lai’s actions, underscoring his endorsement of former US president Donald Trump’s efforts to confront China’s ascension through a trade war. Content like the commentary titled “Defending morality and resisting totalitarianism is the responsibility of everyone in the world” was presented as evidence of Lai’s alleged seditious behaviour.
Moreover, Lai’s writings amid the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic were also highlighted as seditious. In one piece titled “The plague of Wuhan, the death knell of the Chinese Communist Party”, Lai attributed the spread of infections to Xi’s totalitarian regime and suggested that the pandemic might offer hope to Chinese citizens seeking to overthrow authorities.
The prosecution further alleged that Lai propagated hostility and violence through the release of content such as a news feature reporting on protesters kicking police officers and an advertisement labelling police as “black cops”.
As the trial presses on, it is anticipated that the prosecution will unveil more Apple Daily content as proof of Lai’s purported transgressions.
The trial at West Kowloon Court has brought to the fore the ongoing friction between Hong Kong and mainland China, illuminating the role of media and individuals in moulding public opinion and fomenting specific behaviours. The allegations against Jimmy Lai have sparked conversations about the delicate equilibrium between freedom of expression and national security, and the potential ramifications for the future of press freedom in Hong Kong.
As the trial unfurls, the broader implications of Lai’s case on media and freedom of expression in Hong Kong will continue to be a point of interest and contention. The impact of this trial on the media landscape and public discourse in Hong Kong and beyond remains to be seen.
