UK PM Rishi Sunak condemns Jimmy Lai’s trial as ‘politically motivated’ in letter to ex-Hong Kong governor Chris Patten
“Mr Lai’s case will remain a priority for this government. We will not hesitate to defend the values he stands for,” he said, stressing the UK’s commitment to “hold China to its international obligations”.
Jimmy Lai gave generously to Hong Kong opposition and US groups, court hears
Lai, the 76-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily tabloid, is on trial for sedition and two national security charges.
He pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces – which carry a possible life sentence under the national security law – and one count of conspiring to publish seditious publications under the colonial-era Crimes Ordinance.
He was accused of drawing international sanctions against authorities and inciting public hatred in the wake of anti-government protests in 2019, sparked by a now-withdrawn extradition bill.
The hearing, at West Kowloon Court in Cheung Sha Wan, is expected to take 80 days.
Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai ‘gave more than HK$8.9 million to anti-China group’
The British government had previously called for Lai’s release when the trial commenced last month, a move that drew quick criticism from Beijing.
In his letter, the prime minister said the national security law imposed in 2020 had inflicted damage upon Hong Kong and breached the terms of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which paved the way for the city’s return to Chinese rule, thereby adversely affecting its unique way of life.
The Hong Kong government expressed its strong opposition to Sunak’s remarks, emphasising that the politically motivated trial claims were not aligned with the facts.
“Prosecutions would only be commenced if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction and if it is in the public interest to do so, and have nothing to do with freedom of speech, or the profession, political beliefs or background of any person,” a government spokesman said
Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai set up English Apple Daily to win US support, court hears
He said any attempts to interfere with ongoing legal procedures through political or media means was a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law and would potentially constitute contempt of court or pervert the course of justice.
He added the national security law did not violate the joint declaration.
He also urged the British government to refrain from meddling in Hong Kong affairs, deeming it an internal matter of China’s politics.