'My father knew he was a target from the start but stayed to defend his people'
The Independent|November 23, 2024
As pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai faces a potential life sentence in the high-stakes national security case in Hong Kong, his son Sebastien Lai has denounced the proceedings as a politically motivated "show trial" driven by a China-led crackdown on dissent politically motivated “show trial” driven by a China-led crackdown on dissent.
NAMITA SINGH
'My father knew he was a target from the start but stayed to defend his people'

Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, is facing charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials, all of which are crimes under Hong Kong’s controversial national security law, which was imposed by Beijing. Lai denies all the charges.

Sebastien paints a harrowing picture of his father’s ordeal – years of detention under dire conditions – and underscores his unwavering commitment to democracy, press freedom, and the people of Hong Kong in an interview with The Independent.

Condemning his father’s ongoing prosecution, Sebastien says that the 77-year-old media tycoon should never have been arrested. “The trial shouldn’t even be happening. He shouldn’t have been arrested in the first place,” he says.

Introduced in 2020, the law marked a turning point in the city’s pro-democracy movement, coming a year after grassroots-led protests against Beijing’s increasing influence erupted in 2019. Sparked by a controversial extradition bill, the protests saw hundreds of thousands march in defiance, with some demonstrators vowing to fight to the death for democracy.

Prominent figures like Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow became faces of the movement, but the crackdown that followed the protests led to mass arrests and the exile of many activists. On Tuesday, Wong was among 45 pro-democracy activists sentenced to up to 10 years in prison under the national security law.

Lai was another prominent target of Beijing’s clampdown. His newspaper, known for its critical coverage and pro-democracy stance, became a lightning rod for the Chinese government’s ire during the protests.

This story is from the November 23, 2024 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 23, 2024 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
STOLEN MOMENTS
The Independent

STOLEN MOMENTS

The antics of the gentleman thief in EW Hornung's 'Raffles' bring Anthony Quinn as much joy as when he was a child.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 04, 2025
Can Glaser give Hollywood the roasting it deserves?
The Independent

Can Glaser give Hollywood the roasting it deserves?

The stand-up comedian's close-to-the-bone comedy makes Nikki Glaser the ideal choice to host tomorrow's Golden Globes. Move over, Ricky Gervais, writes Kevin E G Perry

time-read
6 mins  |
January 04, 2025
'I'd just turned 18... I don't think I was remotely sexy'
The Independent

'I'd just turned 18... I don't think I was remotely sexy'

Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall is newly solo with a debut electropop hit to her name. She talks to Annabel Nugent about the downside of fame and how she's never feared 'clapping back'

time-read
10 mins  |
January 04, 2025
The disruptor: why Musk is a risk to German democracy
The Independent

The disruptor: why Musk is a risk to German democracy

The tech billionaire's move to support the AfD is proof he is determined to unsettle a nation that knows all too well what far-right dictatorship can bring, writes John Kampfner

time-read
4 mins  |
January 04, 2025
Slot turns transfer saga into surprise Liverpool benefit
The Independent

Slot turns transfer saga into surprise Liverpool benefit

Arne Slot has claimed that the saga about Trent AlexanderArnold's future is helpful to him as it prevents his Liverpool players from being overloaded with praise that could make them complacent.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 04, 2025
United 'are starving for leaders', admits Amorim
The Independent

United 'are starving for leaders', admits Amorim

When Ruben Amorim got to convey good news, it still came with a demand.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 04, 2025
Still a teenager but there are few weaknesses in his game
The Independent

Still a teenager but there are few weaknesses in his game

Whether he beat or lost to Michael van Gerwen on the Alexandra Palace stage on Friday night, Luke Littler was al going to leave his second World Darts Championship as a winner.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 04, 2025
Littler makes history after winning world title aged 17
The Independent

Littler makes history after winning world title aged 17

Darts has a new world champion, and he's a 17-year-old boy from Warrington.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 04, 2025
The hot UK industry that could be facing a wipeout
The Independent

The hot UK industry that could be facing a wipeout

Don't tell Liam and Noel, but the biggest entertainment event of 2025 won't be their reunion, it'll be the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 04, 2025
Taxes to rise again despite growth, warn economists
The Independent

Taxes to rise again despite growth, warn economists

A group of economists have warned that the Treasury is likely to raise taxes even further this year, despite an expectation that the country will return to growth in 2025.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 04, 2025