Dec 18: According to an exclusive investigation by The Washington Post, Andy Li Yu-hin, one of the "12 Hong Kongers," may have been coerced into accusing Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily. During his detention in China, Li Yu-hin faced torture and harsh conditions. He was forced to sit on a concrete stool for prolonged periods and experienced sleep deprivation. Upon his return to Hong Kong, Li Yu-hin's testimony implicating Jimmy Lai raises concerns about the potential influence and pressure exerted on him. This case sheds light on the ongoing complexities surrounding the 2019 Hong Kong protests. #HongKong #12HongKongers #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #PressFreedom #Coercion #HumanRights #PhotonMedia

Dec 22:Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai's incitement charges not time-barred. Case continues in January 2024.

The case against Jimmy Lai has had a significant impact on press freedom in Hong Kong. Lai's arrest and subsequent prosecution are seen by many as part of a broader crackdown on dissent and independent journalism in the region. The charges of "conspiring with foreign forces" and incitement have created a climate of fear among journalists, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect on media outlets. The closure of Lai's popular newspaper, Apple Daily, further diminishes the diversity of voices and independent reporting in Hong Kong. Overall, the case has raised concerns about the erosion of press freedom and freedom of expression in the city.

#HHongKong #JimmyLai #AppleDaily

Media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital and Apple Daily, faces charges of "collusion with foreign forces" and other offenses. Prosecutors claim Lai used his media platform to incite hatred against the Hong Kong government and China. The case involves 161 articles, including Lai's columns and Apple Daily reports, urging protests and international sanctions against China. Prosecutors allege Lai contacted foreign politicians, including former US Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo, seeking sanctions. Lai pleads not guilty.

Charges against Jimmy Lai for "collusion with foreign forces" are seen as baseless, stifling dissent and freedom of speech. Targeting prominent figures like Lai undermines democracy and human rights. We must condemn attempts to silence dissent. #JimmyLai #FreedomOfExpression #AppleDaily #HongKong

Jan 3: on day 5 of #JimmyLai's trial, prosecutors claiming he directed #AppleDaily's English edition to promote "yellow" viewpoints and seek foreign sanctions. They mention Lai's Twitter account, where he followed figures like Tsai Ing-wen and Mike Pence. The judge questioned the relevance, but prosecutors argue it shows Lai's connections and state of mind. Critics see these charges as an attack on free expression.

Jimmy Lai's trial highlights the concerning reality that having a Twitter account can now be used against individuals in prosecutions. The case underscores the potential risks individuals face for expressing their viewpoints and connecting with others on social media platforms. #FreedomOfExpression #freehk #freepoliticalprisoners

Jan 4: On the 6th day of the #JimmyLai case, the prosecution alleges that he is the mastermind behind the "Stand with Hong Kong (SWHK)" team, supporting global advocacy and international alliances. They claim Lai provided financial support and instructed individuals to organize the "Global Call for Action" campaign, urging foreign pressure on China. The team established connections with the US, UK, and Japan to lobby for sanctions. Lai transferred over HKD 118 million to his assistant and donated over HKD 93 million to pro-democracy figures and parties. Trial adjourned until Monday with reduced witness count. #HongKong #FreePoliticalPrisoners

Jan 8: day 7 of the trial, Founder of Next Digital, Jimmy Lai, and three related companies including Apple Daily, are charged with conspiring with foreign forces and inciting secession in Hong Kong. Prosecution presented evidence of email correspondence between Lai and several former US officials. These charges not only raise concerns about the criminalization of contact with foreign officials but also undermine freedom of expression in Hong Kong. The trial continues. #HongKong #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #FreedomOfExpression

Jan 10 Jimmy Lai's trial: Prosecution presents financial investigation details, including suspicious transactions and alleged funding of political organizations. Lai is charged with 'colluding with foreign forces' and other offenses. Defense questions the exaggerated language in the police testimony. The judge emphasizes the court's role in determining the conclusions. Trial to resume next Tuesday with expert witness testimonies. #JimmyLai #freePoliticalprisoners

Latest report by the Committee to Protect Journalists reveals that 320 journalists worldwide are currently imprisoned, with China topping the list at 44 journalists in detention. The report also highlights the situation in Hong Kong, where the cases of detained journalists continue to face significant delays in processing. The prolonged detention of media mogul Jimmy Lai under the national security law is a stark example. Press freedom remains under threat. #PressFreedom #JournalistsBehindBars #HongKong #China #JimmyLai

Founder of Apple Daily, Jimmy Lai, and related companies face "conspiring with foreign forces" charges. Former vice president Chan Pui-man testifies, highlighting Lai's COVID-19 concerns and news influence.

A column by Lai in April 2020 was presented, mentioned "the courage to do what we know we can't".

Chan also admires those persisting for democracy. Trial adjourns till Feb 19. #AppleDaily #JimmyLai #PressFreedom #HongKong #Democracy

Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital and related companies, continues trial on charges of "conspiring with foreign forces." Former Apple Daily deputy chief editor, Chan Pui-man, testifies, revealing chaos within the company at the time of her resignation. She approved the printing of the final Apple Daily issue, with 1 million copies, despite feeling awkward about her role. Chan agrees with Lai's democratic values but claims her news judgment remains independent. Trial to resume on Wednesday. #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #Trial

During the trial, Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, revealed that he was not concerned about the possibility of his arrest. Lai expressed his belief that if he were to be apprehended, it would serve as evidence of the Chinese Communist Party's suppression of human rights and press freedom. He further stated his confidence that countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe would not stand idly by in such a scenario. The trial continues to unfold. #JimmyLai #AppleDaily #FreePoliticalPrisoners #PressFreedom

Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital and Apple Daily, along with three related companies, faces charges of conspiring with foreign forces. During the 54th day of trial, witness Li Yuxuan reveals communication with UK Conservative Party member Peillun De before the National Security Law came into effect. Discussions revolve around utilizing Hong Kong to "topple the CCP," and Li acknowledges Hong Kong's willingness to play that role. He clarifies that "toppling" refers to causing chaos and confirms his willingness to bear the consequences. Li also emphasizes that their primary goal is to establish Hong Kong, with "toppling the CCP" being secondary or merely a means to "liberate Hong Kong." The trial adjourns until April 8.

#JimmyLai #NationalSecurityLaw #HongKong #NextDigital #AppleDaily

Art by 淋漓淋浪 @lumli_lumlong

#黎智英 #JimmyLai #蘋果日報 #AppleDaily #新聞自由無價 #守護真相 #撐蘋果 #壹傳媒 #滅聲 #欲加之罪

Amnesty International Recognizes Three Activists as Prisoners of Conscience

Amnesty International has designated three human rights defenders—Chow Hang-tung, Ding Jiaxi, and Jimmy Lai—as prisoners of conscience. They are imprisoned solely for their peaceful activism.

#ChowHangtung: Jailed for a vigil honoring Tiananmen victims; facing 10 years for “inciting subversion” under the National Security Law.

#Ding Jiaxi: Sentenced to 12 years for “subverting state power” after attending a discussion on current affairs, enduring torture during detention.

#JimmyLai: Media advocate facing life imprisonment for "colluding with foreign forces" under the National Security Law; already serving multiple sentences for peaceful protests.

Sarah Brooks from Amnesty highlights the Chinese government's ongoing repression of dissent. We call for the immediate release of these activists!

#politicalprisoner #AmnestyInternational

大赦國際承認三位活動人士為良心犯

中文:
大赦國際已將三位人權捍衛者——周漢彤、丁家喜和黎智英——指定為良心犯。他們因和平行動而被監禁。

#周漢彤：因紀念天安門受害者的燭光 vigil 被監禁；面臨10年“煽動顛覆”的刑期。

#丁家喜：因“顛覆國家政權”被判12年，並在拘留期間遭受酷刑。

#黎智英：媒體倡導者，因“勾結外國勢力”面臨終身監禁；已因和平抗議被判多次刑期。

大赦國際的莎拉·布魯克斯強調中國政府對異議的持續壓制。我們呼籲立即釋放這些活動人士！

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/10/china-hong-kong-amnesty-international-recognizes-three-activists-as-prisoners-of-conscience/