Looking back at 2024: when Hong Kong's pro-democracy Jimmy Lai stepped into the dock

Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai testified in court in a landmark security trial, pleading not guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious material

The charge of publishing seditious material was linked to Lai's Apple Daily, a tabloid he himself founded in 1995 just before the former British territory was handed over to China.

The Chinese government used its controversial national security law against Lai, which prosecutes citizens who commit treason, sedition or subversion.

Jammy Lai said the now defunct Apple Daily newspaper represented freedom of expression and a bid for democracy, according to Europa Press.

Prosecutors claimed that Lai used the paper to campaign against Beijing and push for international sanctions against the Chinese authorities.

Lai acknowledged that he met with US Vice President Mike Pence in 2019 to obtain his support for the pro-democracy protests taking place in Hong Kong.

Jimmy Lai denied having donated money to US politicians. "I have only donated to think tanks and religious organisations," Lai told the Hong Kong Free Press.

Prior to Lai's trial, 45 pro-democracy activists were sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for violating Beijing's national security law. Two activists – making up the 47 – saw their charges dropped.

The 45 dissidents were activists, lawmakers and councillors accused of organizing unofficial primary elections in the territory ahead of Hong Kong's general election.

Joshua Wong became the face of democracy activism in Hong Kong, recognized around the world. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to four years and eight months behind bars.

Lawyer Benny Tai received the longest sentence of 10 years in prison for masterminding the unofficial elections, despite his guilty plea.

The UN warns of the "criminalization" of activism that the sentencing of the 45 dissidents represented by eliminating fundamental rights and freedoms of the population.

The NGO Human Rights Watch has stated that international standards had been violated by the prolonged pre-trial detention of dissidents with no access allowed to consular officials.

Australian-Hong Kong citizen Gordon Ng, who pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to more than seven years, prompting Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to express "grave concern."

The US announced visa restrictions against Hong Kong officials responsible for enforcing national security laws.

Altogether, 291 people have been detained since China passed the law for "endangering national security", according to data from December 2023.

Humanitarian organisations warn of political persecution. "Attempting to run and win an election in Hong Kong is now a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison," said HRW.

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