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Key prosecution witness in Jimmy Lai trial admits he aided jailed activist’s failed attempt to flee Hong Kong
- Paralegal Wayland Chan says SWHK advocacy group member Andy Li sought his help following his arrest four years ago
- He adds he eased communications between Lai and Li and agreed to secure the latter with safe house and discuss ways to counter police surveillance
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A key prosecution witness in media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s trial has admitted he assisted an activist who was arrested under the Beijing-decreed national security in his failed attempt to escape Hong Kong four years ago.
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Paralegal Wayland Chan Tsz-wah on Monday said Andy Li Yu-hin, a core member of the “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong” (SWHK) advocacy group, sought his help in August 2020.
“He said he needed a safe house,” Chan told West Kowloon Court. “He said he had been arrested and his phone and everything had come to light.”
Chan, a defendant turned prosecution witness, earlier testified he had facilitated communications between Lai and Li, who agreed to help with the tycoon’s scheme to trigger mainland China’s political and economic collapse by lobbying for international sanctions and other hostile acts.
The 76-year-old Apple Daily founder has denied two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces and a third of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications.
Chan said he agreed to “make arrangements” for Li, including an attempt to secure him a safe house and discussing with him ways to counter police surveillance.
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The witness said a person called Chan Sai-tak agreed to provide “financial and transport help” while another collaborator, nicknamed Cap, said he could secure a boat and fishing equipment as camouflage.
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