Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai set to give testimony in his own defense

Prominent publisher Jimmy Lai is facing a national security trial in Hong Kong under a Beijing-imposed law that aims to eliminate public dissent. Lai, the 76-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, has been charged with colluding with foreign forces and putting out seditious publications. His defense lawyer argued that the evidence against him was insufficient, but the judges ruled that he has a case to answer on all charges. Lai plans to testify in his defense when the trial resumes in November. This high-profile case is seen as a test of press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong, which has seen a drastic shrinking of civil liberties since the 2020 security law was enacted. Prosecutors allege that Lai sought foreign support to sanction Beijing and Hong Kong leaders, pointing to his meetings with U.S. officials in 2019. Six former Apple Daily executives have already pleaded guilty to collusion charges and await sentencing. The trial has highlighted the decline of press freedom in Hong Kong, which now ranks low on the World Press Freedom Index. Despite the challenges, Lai remains defiant and determined to defend himself in court.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com