Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai wanted to grab US attention with national security law prosecution
Unpublished letter reveals Lai felt he was targeted because he had ‘embarrassed’ Beijing by exposing its ‘hollow’ promises
The Apple Daily tabloid founder attributed his legal woes in the letter unveiled on Friday to his exposing of what he called Beijing’s “hollow” promises of freedom and democracy for Hong Kong.
Addressing West Kowloon Court, Lai said efforts to instigate Western sanctions against mainland China after such acts were outlawed would have been “suicidal”. He added he never intended to flee the city although he could have done so “illegally” if he was “determined” enough.
Lai’s oral testimony entered the 12th day as his lawyers turned their focus to his state of mind following the implementation of the national security law on June 30, 2020.
The 77-year-old has pleaded not guilty to two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces under the Beijing-imposed law, as well as a third count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications in breach of colonial-era legislation.
The court heard Lai had drafted the open letter to be published in the event of his arrest and detention under the security law.
