Commentary
The trial of Jimmy Lai, founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, marks a tragic turning point in Hong Kong’s recent history. Once a beacon of freedom under the promise of “One Country, Two Systems” (1C2S), Hong Kong has transformed into a city gripped by authoritarian control.
The prolonged delay in Lai’s trial for alleged violations of the National Security Law (NSL) finally culminated in a trial date set for November 20, 2024. At 76 years old, diabetic, and held in solitary confinement with no communication with the outside world, Lai is set to provide his own testimony.
This trial isn’t just about silencing a newspaper; it’s about preventing the world from hearing Jimmy Lai’s story, a symbol of Hong Kong’s fight for freedom.
When Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997, the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” was designed to ensure that the city would retain a high degree of autonomy, its own legal system, and its cherished freedoms for at least 50 years.
This arrangement was enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a legally binding international treaty. Under 1C2S, Hong Kong flourished as a global financial hub with a vibrant press, a robust legal system, and an active civil society. The city’s unique status allowed it to attract international businesses and talent, making it a bridge between East and West.
In June 2020, Beijing imposed the National Security Law on Hong Kong, bypassing the city’s legislature. This law criminalized secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, with penalties including life imprisonment.
The NSL marked a significant turning point, effectively ending the principle of 1C2S. The law’s broad and vague definitions allowed for a wide range of activities to be deemed illegal, creating a chilling effect on free speech, press freedom, and the right to assembly.
The NSL also established a new security office in Hong Kong, staffed by mainland Chinese security personnel, and gave them sweeping powers to operate without oversight.
Article 23 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law mandates that the city enact its own national security legislation. Previous attempts to pass such laws were met with massive public protests, most notably in 2003 when half a million people, including myself, took to the streets, forcing the government to withdraw the proposed bill.
The NSL, imposed directly by Beijing, effectively bypassed the need for Hong Kong to enact its own laws under Article 23. This legislation was finally enacted on March 23, 2024, after two decades of resistance from the people of Hong Kong.
Lai, a media tycoon and founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has become a symbol of resistance against the encroaching authoritarianism in Hong Kong. Lai’s outspoken criticism of the Chinese government and his unwavering support for democracy made him a target of the authorities.
Lai, now 76 years old and diabetic, has been kept in solitary confinement, deprived of communication with the outside world. Despite these harsh conditions, he remains resolute and prepared to provide his own testimony in his trial scheduled for November 20, 2024.
The prolonged delays and procedural irregularities in his trial highlight the compromised state of Hong Kong’s judicial system.
International observers and human rights organizations have condemned the trial as politically motivated and a blatant attempt to silence dissent.
The implementation of the NSL and the implementation of Article 23 of the Basic Law have fundamentally changed Hong Kong.
The city’s once-thriving civil society has been decimated, with activists and organizations facing constant harassment and intimidation.
The press, once one of the freest in Asia, now operates under severe constraints, with journalists practicing self-censorship to avoid prosecution.
The judiciary, long seen as a bulwark of Hong Kong’s autonomy, has come under increasing pressure. Judges in NSL cases are handpicked by the city’s Chief Executive and with the mastermind from Beijing, raising concerns about their independence.
The rule of law, a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success, has been undermined, with legal processes increasingly used as tools of political repression.
The political and economic impact of these changes has also been significant. Foreign businesses and investors, attracted by Hong Kong’s stability and rule of law, are reconsidering their presence in the city. The uncertainty created by the NSL and the erosion of freedoms has led to a decline in investor confidence and a potential exodus of talent.
The totalitarian government of Hong Kong, under the influence of Beijing, fears Jimmy Lai’s story because it symbolizes the struggle for freedom and democracy in the face of growing authoritarianism. Lai’s narrative is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to the principles of free speech and human rights.
As someone who has known Lai for over three decades, I can personally attest that he is a man of unwavering integrity and courage, unafraid to speak the truth, and a steadfast champion of freedom. Lai represents the spirit of resistance against the authoritarian regime. His continued defiance, even in the face of severe persecution, serves as an inspiration to others who value freedom and democracy.
Lai’s trial and testimony attract significant international attention.
This scrutiny puts pressure on the Hong Kong government and exposes the extent of its repression to the global community. Lai’s story highlights the moral high ground of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. It contrasts sharply with the draconian measures employed by the authorities to stifle dissent, thereby undermining the legitimacy of the regime.
The brutal transformation of Hong Kong from a beacon of freedom and autonomy to a city under tight authoritarian control is a tragedy with profound implications. The broken promise of “One Country, Two Systems” has left a deep scar on the city’s identity and its people’s sense of security.
The trial of Lai stands as a stark reminder of the cost of dissent in today’s Hong Kong. It is a symbol of the broader struggle for freedom and democracy in the face of growing authoritarianism. The authorities’ determination to silence Lai’s testimony underscores their fear of the power of his story.
In this new reality, the people of Hong Kong continue to fight for their rights and their city. Their resilience and determination offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark chapter of Hong Kong’s history. The international community must remain vigilant and supportive, ensuring that the story of Hong Kong and its struggle for freedom is not forgotten.
Before we can see the light, we have to deal diligently with the darkness. Let’s all say a prayer for Lai and Hong Kong.