Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital, is charged with “conspiring to collude with foreign forces” among other offenses. The trial entered its 93rd day on Wednesday at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts (acting as the High Court), where Lai testified. He stated that he founded Next Magazine in 1989 and later established Apple Daily. He described the core values of Apple Daily as rule of law and democratic freedom, and expressed opposition to any form of violence and Hong Kong independence. He described, “advocating for Hong Kong’s independence is a conspiracy, designed to trap us. It was never a reality; such an idea is too insane.” Consequently, he never allowed staff or the newspaper to discuss this issue.

Additionally, the defense displayed a “map of international connections” alleged by the prosecution, and questioned Lai about his relationships with certain political figures on the map, including the former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten. Lai mentioned that they had met after Hong Kong’s handover but hesitated to call him a friend, indicating there were no direct contacts, only communications through intermediaries like Anson Chan. Lai also confirmed meeting with then-U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, explaining he only shared the situation in Hong Kong, hoping Pence would voice support for Hong Kong but did not discuss any concrete actions.

Court adjourned at 16:30, to resume tomorrow morning.

### 16:15 Jimmy Lai Denies Telling Colleagues to “Carry On as Usual” During Detention, Equating It to “Suicide”

Cheung Kim-hung testified that he visited Jimmy Lai, who was in detention, in December 2020, and asked how to continue operating Apple Daily. Cheung recalled Lai saying, “Don’t be afraid, just keep going, as if nothing has changed.” Steven Kwan displayed visitation records, showing that between December 2020 and April 2021, Cheung visited Lai five times, three times alone, and twice with Apple Daily’s IT director Connie Chan and Lai’s two sons.

Lai stated that during meetings with Connie Chan and Cheung, they discussed colleagues’ situations, such as resignations or feelings of fear. He mentioned encouraging them not to “lose heart or be scared,” but he denied instructing them to “carry on as usual,” as the National Security Law was already in effect, which would equate to telling them to “commit suicide.”

Lai added that the visits lasted only 15 minutes. When Cheung visited with his sons, Lai thought there was an emergency, only to find nothing unusual. He asked Cheung, “Why are you taking away the time for my sons to visit me?”

### 16:00 Jimmy Lai: Apple Daily Not Involved in “Live Chat” Show

Regarding Cheung Kim-hung’s testimony that he had concerns when he learned that retired U.S. General Jack Keane was a guest on the “Live Chat” program and consulted Lai about it, Lai stated that his discussions with Cheung were strictly professional and did not involve his friends or Twitter program. Steven Kwan asked if “Live Chat” was related to Apple Daily. Lai replied that the program only appeared on his personal Twitter, but Apple Daily would upload the clips.

Lai emphasized that he never instructed the uploading to Apple Daily, but colleagues might have thought the program could attract readers, hence the upload to Apple Daily. Kwan asked if the staff had his consent to upload the Twitter program to Apple Daily, to which Lai responded no. Kwan noted that a female staff member handled technical issues in the program; Lai clarified she was part of Next Animation, stressing that Apple Daily was not involved in “Live Chat.”

Kwan continued, asking if Apple Daily had promoted “Live Chat.” Lai said he was unaware. Lai added that because he does not manage Twitter himself, his Twitter is managed by Simon Lee, including setting up and following accounts.

### 15:45 “National Security Law is the end of free speech, requires Trump’s intervention to stop”

The defense continued to quote a WhatsApp conversation between Lai and Cheung Kim-hung, which included a forwarded message from Lai to an employee of Taiwan Apple, “Please tell the international team not to target Trump like The New York Times and CNN, as Apple relies on Trump’s administration for survival. This approach is not good.” Cheung responded that he had also reminded their international colleagues in Hong Kong last week. Lai, questioned by Judge Alex Lee Wan-tang, stated that he did not consider this conversation as an instruction but rather a suggestion. Lai explained that it was inconsistent to launch a campaign “One Letter One Hong Konger” supporting Hong Kong while simultaneously publishing news opposing U.S. President Donald Trump. Lai added that it was a critical moment requiring Trump to stop the enactment of the National Security Law.

The defense further inquired about how the implementation of the National Security Law would affect Apple Daily. Lai explained that under the National Security Law, Apple Daily could no longer operate independently, and the subsequent events proved his concerns were right. The defense reminded, “Forget about what followed; this is a trial of politics but not a political trial.”

Lai stated that the implementation of the National Security Law signified the end of free speech and hoped that Trump would intervene to stop the law. Lai added that if the National Security Law was implemented, the existence of Apple Daily and the state of free speech would be in grave danger.

### 15:30 Lai: Meetings with U.S. officials are personal matters, not discussed with Cheung Kim-hung

Cheung Kim-hung previously testified that after Lai appeared on a program hosted by former Democratic Party chairman Martin Lee, which discussed Lai’s experiences in the U.S., Lai called him to discuss soliciting support from the U.S. for the anti-extradition bill movement. When asked by the defense whether he called Cheung after the interview, Lai denied having such a conversation, stating that Cheung was already aware of his meeting with then U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he had no reason to call Cheung or discuss personal matters with him. Lai further emphasized that he considers his meetings with U.S. officials as private matters because he visited the U.S. not as a representative of his company but in a personal capacity.

The defense also brought up a situation from May 2020, mentioning that on May 22, 2020, Lai messaged Cheung suggesting “consider launching a one-letter-one-Hong Konger campaign by Apple Daily”; Lai confirmed this as an editorial instruction. Regarding Cheung’s testimony that Lai often gave editorial instructions at “lunchbox meetings,” Lai denied this in court, explaining that at the time, the company was transitioning from print to online, and “lunchbox meetings” were used to discuss business development and the company’s transformation.

Regarding Cheung’s earlier statement that at one “lunchbox meeting,” Lai mentioned “indistinctness between peace and bravery,” Lai responded in court that he might have mentioned it in his articles or conversations with the pan-democrats, but he doubted it was ever brought up at a “lunchbox meeting,” and he was not entirely certain.

### 15:00 Lai: Cheung Kim-hung is a colleague, not a friend; private matters are not discussed

The defense referenced Cheung Kim-hung’s earlier testimony, noting that in March 2019, Lai sent Cheung a photo of a meeting between Anson Chan and Mike Pence, mentioning it should be used “to maximum effect.” Lai agreed this was an editorial instruction, along with another directive for the “one letter per person to save Hong Kong” campaign.

The defense also mentioned an Apple Daily report about the departure of Lam Wing-kee, the manager of Causeway Bay Books, from Hong Kong. At the time, Cheung was in Taiwan, so Lai hoped he could interview Lam. Lai explained that since Cheung was familiar with the situation in Hong Kong and was conveniently in Taiwan, he was the logical choice for the interview. Lai stated that he would have made the same request regardless of whether it was Cheung or not, denying it was an editorial instruction. Lai also mentioned that the photographer who took the departure photos of Lam Wing-kee insisted that Apple Daily feature them on the front page, leading Lai to also send them to Chan Pui-man, who ultimately decided to use them on the front page.

Further inquiries by the defense into Apple Daily’s printing of 100,000 anti-extradition bill banners were confirmed by Lai as an instruction given to Cheung, though not an editorial one. Lai clarified that the banners were not distributed by Apple Daily but were handed over to the pan-democrats and thus did not carry the Apple Daily logo.

The defense also focused on Lai’s relationships with other Apple Daily executives. Lai described Cheung Kim-hung as a trusted colleague but not a friend, with no interaction outside of work, and their conversations, even during meals, were strictly work-related. Regarding Chan Pui-man, Lai noted she was both a friend and a colleague. As for Yeung Ching-kee, Lai said their interactions were infrequent, with Yeung gathering news information for him and reporting back in his office, describing their relationship as “very remote.”

The defense highlighted that Yeung testified he had dined at Lai’s residence three times. Lai responded that those meetings were intended for Yeung to provide information that Lai could then share on Twitter, with other writers also present.

Lastly, the defense cited a conversation between Lai and Cheung where Cheung suggested allocating one dollar from every three-dollar fee to the 612 Fund, to which Lai replied, “very good idea.” In court, Lai explained that this was related to donations, and Cheung did not actually need his approval, but Lai thought it was a good proposal.

### 14:48 Lai: Never interfered with editorial work; never told subordinates they couldn’t say no

Regarding Lai’s morning statement that he hoped to take on corporate responsibilities as the group chairman after the implementation of the National Security Law, was it implied that he provided editorial guidelines post-law? Lai disagreed, stating his role was as a leader, but he did not set editorial policies, reiterating that Apple’s core values align with those of Hong Kong people.

Addressing Chan Pui-man’s description of Lai as domineering, feeling she had no right to say no, Lai responded, “I don’t see why she does not have the right to say no. I never told her that she couldn’t refuse.”

Lai continued, emphasizing his respectful approach towards Chan at work, “I never give orders. I always ask whether she would do it, according to her own decision.”

When asked whether Chan’s description of Lai as “strong” was accurate, Lai replied, “I think if she interpreted my style of management as my personality, then I agree, I have a very strong personality. But do I have a very strong enforcement in my management? I don’t agree.”

Lai also noted that Apple’s senior management had been with the company for over 20 years on average, and that changing the editor-in-chief was not his decision, stressing that he never interfered with editorial operations. Regarding Lam Man-chung’s short stint at Apple, Lai mentioned that Lam had been with Next Digital for a long time, had left, but later called either himself or Cheung Kim-hung expressing a wish to return to work at Apple, to which Lai responded, “Oh, why not?” leading to Lam’s return to Apple.

### 14:32 Jimmy Lai: I do not believe I have the ability to corrupt the minds of Hong Kong people

In response to opening statements that accused Lai of using Apple’s reporting and articles to advance his political agenda and “corrupt the minds of susceptible individuals” during times of social unrest, Lai asserted in court, “I have no political agenda,” and denied any contact with the “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong” team, except for providing a bridging loan to cover advertisement costs. Steven Kwan mentioned that this aspect would be discussed later.

Kwan further inquired whether Lai knew the type of readers who read Apple. Lai described them as Hong Kongers who hold core values. When asked if these readers were easily influenced, Lai disagreed, stating they all have their own set of values. Kwan then asked if Lai intended to poison his readers’ minds. Lai responded, “For the people of Hong Kong, what I did was merely ‘holding up a torch’, ‘I only comment on what has already happened’.”

Lai stated, “I don’t think I have the ability to pollute or corrupt the mind of the Hong Kong people just by my writing,” nor did he have any intention to do so.

12: 55 Lunch Break

12:37 Jimmy Lai: Never Influenced US Policy Toward China Through Donations

The defense addressed the prosecution’s “International Connections Chart,” which labeled some individuals as “US anti-China propagandists,” including Wall Street Journal editor Bill McGurn and former US Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau, James Cunningham. Lai explained that he and McGurn are both Catholics, with McGurn being his godfather and a longtime friend. He described Cunningham similarly as a longtime friend with a shared passion for gourmet food.

When asked if he ever attempted to influence foreign policies toward Hong Kong or China through these individuals, Lai responded “never.” He also denied ever requesting these individuals to take hostile actions against Hong Kong or China. The defense referenced charges that British financier Bill Browder and then-current Japanese Diet member Shiori Yamao were alleged conspirators with Lai. Lai reiterated that he does not know either individual and does not speak Japanese. He mentioned that Chan Tsz-wah did not discuss Browder or Yamao during their meetings.

The discussion then turned to Lai’s assistant, Mark Simon, involving Dico Consultants Limited. Lai described the company as a paper company without employees, used for handling transactions. He met Simon through Bill McGurn. Records show that Lai deposited HK$118 million to Simon between 2013 and 2020. Lai explained that Simon handled various transactions and personal business matters for him. Upon further questioning by the defense, Lai confirmed that he had made donations through Simon to Hong Kong political parties including the Democratic Party, Civic Party, and “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung, but he never donated to foreign political parties.

Regarding donations to American think tanks, Lai stated that he donated because he agreed with their philosophies, such as supporting free markets. When asked if he intended to influence US policy toward China through donations, Lai emphatically denied it, remarking that his contributions were minor compared to others and given unconditionally; expecting something in return would be too presumptuous, “I think this is crazy.” Lai clarified that he is not a political party member but considers himself a businessman and a social activist due to his involvement in and support for social movements.

### 12:45 Jimmy Lai Confirms Chairmanship After NSL Enactment, Hopes to Take Full Company Responsibility

The defense continued to question Lai about his role at Next Digital, noting that Lai had resigned from all positions within the company in 2014. Lai mentioned that he felt exhausted at the time and decided to retire since he was the owner. Until 2018, he neither visited the company nor managed its operations.

By 2018, the company was facing losses, and Lai believed that the company would go bankrupt if he did not get involved, prompting his return to work. The defense highlighted his appointment as executive chairman in May 2020, asking if this was because the National Security Law (NSL) was about to be implemented. Lai confirmed this and expressed his desire to take responsibility for the entire company.

### 12:22 Lai Explains Relationships with His Interview Show Hosts

Lai went on to describe his relationships with the hosts of his show “Live Chat with Jimmy Lai,” including Mark Clifford, Perry Link, Dan Blumenthal, Natan Sharansky, Raymond Burghardt, and Nicholas Kristof.

Lai noted that Mark Clifford, formerly the editor-in-chief of the “South China Morning Post,” has been an acquaintance for 20 years. Perry Link, a renowned scholar, has been a close friend for 30 years, and Lai is the godfather to Link’s two sons.

Lai mentioned that Natan Sharansky, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Israel, became acquainted with him during a visit to Jerusalem, where Sharansky personally picked him up at his hotel, leading to a pleasant conversation. Asked whether this was before or after the Occupy Central movement, Lai recalled it was many years ago.

Regarding the invitation to Sharansky to join “Live Chat with Jimmy Lai,” Lai clarified that it was Sharansky who expressed interest in participating, not a direct invitation from him. Lai met Raymond Burghardt while he was a consul general during Lai’s media business expansion in Taiwan, marking a long-standing acquaintance. He added that Nicholas Kristof and Dan Blumenthal are not personal friends but were invited to the show by Mark Simon.

Further inquiries about the “Live Chat with Jimmy Lai” program, which began in the latter half of 2020 after Mark Simon had left Hong Kong, led Lai to explain that Simon had moved to the U.S. by then. The contacts either reached out to Simon or were contacted by him; arrangements were finalized by Simon and communicated to Lai via WhatsApp.

Regarding U.S. Senator Rick Scott, Lai met him during a 2019 trip to the U.S., and they met again when Scott visited Hong Kong. He also met U.S. Senator Ted Cruz during Cruz’s 2019 visit to observe the protests in Hong Kong and recalled meeting U.S. Senator Josh Hawley as well.

### 12:10 Lai Claims to Have Hired Former US Deputy Secretary of Defense as Investment Advisor; Transfers Related to Myanmar Investment

Continuing around the prosecution’s “international contacts chart,” the defense questioned Lai about his knowledge of Mary Kissel being an advisor during his July 2019 meeting with Secretary of State Pompeo. Lai stated he was aware, acknowledging over ten years of friendship with Kissel, not recalling when she left Hong Kong but noting she first worked as a columnist in the US before advising Pompeo.

Lai was then asked how he came to know Christian Whiton. Lai met him in 2019, describing Whiton as a long-time White House employee, unaware of his exact position but knowing him as a senior staff member, hired by Mark Simon to facilitate meetings with Congress members and senators.

Lai described Whiton as “knowing everybody, so he could be a good person to introduce me to meet others.” Regarding Rupert Hammond-Chambers, Lai stated he did not know him.

When asked about his relationship with Jack Keane, Lai mentioned meeting him at a gathering and queried when exactly Keane was introduced to Tsai Ing-wen, to which the defense replied they did not remember. As for Paul Wolfowitz, Lai said he hired him as an advisor when planning investments in Myanmar.

The defense then showed transfer records indicating Lai paid Paul Wolfowitz between $70,000 to $80,000 on two occasions in 2013, and between $10,000 to $20,000 three times from 2014 to 2016, with a $3,500 payment in 2017. Lai confirmed all transfers were related to his investment activities in Myanmar.

Further inquiries were made whether payments to Wolfowitz were meant to influence US policies towards China or Taiwan. Lai denied this, emphasizing Wolfowitz was not an official, and stating he had never donated to US politicians, only to think tanks and religious organizations.

### 11:25 Jimmy Lai: No Contact with Trump; Meeting with Pence Aimed Only at Seeking Support for Hong Kong Without Suggesting Concrete Actions

Regarding the “U.S. Line,” Lai was alleged to have links with retired U.S. General Jack Keane and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz. Lai confirmed that he had introduced both men to Antonio Chang because President Tsai Ing-wen had, through Chang, expressed a desire to understand the Trump administration’s attitudes and views toward Taiwan. She asked Lai if he could recommend suitable individuals. Lai explained that since he often discussed U.S. policies with Tsai, she naturally knew he supported Trump and was acquainted with people in U.S. think tanks. As Jack Keane and Paul Wolfowitz were connected with these think tanks, he introduced them to Tsai and Chang. Lai also described Taiwan as the only land with democracy among Chinese people. As for Chen Chu in the chart, Lai said she is a key member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and he met her through Chang.

The prosecution’s “U.S. Line” chart also included then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Lai stated in court that he believed Trump did not know him. Lai confirmed that he had never met Trump, had no direct or indirect contact, and had never received any messages from him. The defense then displayed a photo of Lai with then-U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. Lai confirmed that he met Pence in mid-2019 in Washington, D.C. However, he did not know who arranged the meeting, believing it was set up by someone from Trump’s team. He initially planned to meet with legislators to discuss Hong Kong’s social movements at the time, and only learned upon arrival in the U.S. that Pence wanted to meet him.

Lai explained that he arranged meetings with legislators through his assistant Mark Simon, who contacted then-senior advisor at the U.S. State Department, Christian Whiton. When the defense asked if Lai requested the U.S. government to do anything for Hong Kong during his meeting with Pence, Lai replied, “I would not dare to ask the Vice President to do anything,” emphasizing that he only explained the situation in Hong Kong to Pence. He mentioned that he hoped Pence would speak up for Hong Kong and support the city but did not suggest any concrete actions.

Under questioning, Lai confirmed that during this trip, he also met with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Lai added that he similarly discussed Hong Kong’s social movements with Pompeo, hoping he would voice support for Hong Kong but did not request any specific actions. This visit to the U.S. was also reported by the media, including Apple Daily.

Additionally, Lai was alleged to have connections with then-National Security Advisor John Bolton. Lai said Bolton was associated with U.S. think tanks and that they met when Bolton visited Taiwan. Regarding Nancy Pelosi, then-Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives featured in the “International Connections” chart, Lai stated he did not know her but was aware that Martin Lee, founding chairman of Hong Kong’s Democratic Party, had been friends with Pelosi for many years. Lai met with Lee and Pelosi in October 2019, during which Lee and Pelosi mainly chatted, but he has forgotten the content of their conversation.

### 11:20 Jimmy Lai Considers Meeting with Tsai Ing-wen a “PR Meeting”

Continuing with the prosecution’s “International Connections Chart,” the defense referred to the “Taiwan Line,” which includes former President Tsai Ing-wen, former DPP Chairman and current Control Yuan President Chen Chu, and the Vice President of the Chinese Cultural Association, Antonio Chang. Lai mentioned that he first met Tsai during his initial visit to Taiwan when he was planning to establish “Taiwan Apple Daily,” before Tsai became president. After Tsai’s election as president, Lai had further meetings with her, usually arranged through her “right-hand man,” Antonio Chang, sometimes discussing Taiwan’s policies.

Lai also believed that Tsai wanted to meet him specifically because of his media business. He recalled that during their meetings, they discussed public opinions without focusing on specific topics, and he considered these meetings as “PR meetings.” Regarding Antonio Chang, Lai noted that he is a renowned writer who became a columnist for Taiwan’s “Next Magazine” while Lai was expanding his media presence in Taiwan.

### 11:17 Jimmy Lai Met with Chris Patten, But Hesitates to Call Him a Friend

Regarding Jimmy Lai’s relationship with former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten, Lai stated that Patten considers them friends, “but I wouldn’t dare to think so, because he was a governor.” He mentioned that they met after Hong Kong’s handover. Lai pointed out that they did not have direct contact; instead, they communicated through intermediaries such as Benedict Rogers or Anson Chan to avoid any awkwardness should Patten decline a request.

The discussion also touched on whether Lai invited Patten to be a guest on a program after the implementation of the National Security Law. Lai confirmed the invitation.

### 11:05 Jimmy Lai Learns of IPAC’s Existence During Trial

During the questioning, the prosecutor presented an “international contact chart” and inquired how Jimmy Lai came to know Benedict Rogers, the head of “Hong Kong Watch.” Lai stated he couldn’t recall exactly how they met, possibly through friends or because they both had written articles. Rogers replied, leading to a meeting between the two in London.

Lai acknowledged donating £20,000 to “Hong Kong Watch,” stating, “I thought he was doing something meaningful, he supports Hong Kong, so I voluntarily donated to support.”

When asked when he first met Lord David Alton, a member of the UK House of Lords, Lai recalled meeting him once in London. Lord Alton took him to the British Parliament, “as a courtesy and we had tea.”

Lai continued, mentioning that Lord Alton visited Hong Kong in November 2019 to observe the district council elections and they met in a hotel.

Regarding his interactions with Luke de Pulford, the founder of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), via WhatsApp, Lai stated, “I never discuss anything with him either politics or personal affair or anything. His only purpose to contact me was for me to publish his article.”

Asked if he knew what IPAC was, Lai admitted he did not and only acted as a forwarder. He first heard of IPAC during the trial from the testimony of the prosecution witness Andy Li. Lai mentioned that he forwarded Luke’s messages to Chan Pui-man, and they contacted each other independently.

### 10:50 Jimmy Lai Agrees More Social Movements Were Covered Post-2014 Due to Increased Activity

Prosecution witness Cheung Kim-hung stated that before 2014, Apple Daily primarily focused on entertainment and paparazzi news, but post-2014, its focus shifted significantly toward politics. Lai disagreed, stating, “We’ve always supported the movement for freedom,” highlighting a 1997 headline from Apple Daily, “Seven Thousand March to Vindicate June Fourth.”

Lai explained, “We definitely reported more on social movements after 2014, simply because social movements became more active, necessitating our attention to societal events. That’s why it appears we were more active.”

Regarding prosecution witness Chan Pui-man’s statement that Lai became more prominent in social movements after the Occupy Central, Lai agreed. The prosecutor noted that Lai was first arrested for illegal assembly during Occupy Central in 2014; Lai concurred.

Concerning prosecution witness Yeung Ching-kee’s statement that in October 2018, Lai discussed with him the speech on China policy delivered by then-U.S. Vice President Pence at the Hudson Institute, Yeung quoted Lai as saying, “The U.S. is taking advantage of China’s weaknesses,” and leading Japan and Western countries to change their policies toward China. Yeung suggested that Lai’s political stance became more radical from that point.

Lai responded, “I don’t know how he got that impression, I rarely spoke to him, and I almost never wrote any columns on his page.” He added, “If I was radical, I have always been radical.”

### 10:40 Jimmy Lai Reads from His Editorial at Apple Daily’s Launch: Relying on Readers’ Support, Not External Forces

The prosecutor asked if considerations regarding Hong Kong or Taiwan independence influence the selection or invitation of writers at Apple Daily. Lai stated that he does not allow writers to hold such positions.

The prosecutor presented the editorial from the 1995 launch of Apple Daily, titled “We Belong to Hong Kong,” and asked Lai to read a passage: “In today’s era of transparent information, the power of people choosing freedom is stronger than any force. As long as our readers choose us, support our reporting, and agree with our stance, no matter how great the pressure, we will certainly be able to stand up. Indeed, what we seek is the support of our readers, not the backing of any forces. As long as we do our job well, we are confident that our discerning readers will support us.”

“We firmly believe that Hong Kong people, accustomed to freedom, will not silently endure unreasonable bans and unfair treatment because Hong Kong people are naturally passionate about freedom.”

Lai agreed that he wrote this editorial and it represents the principles of Apple Daily. When asked if he wrote any other editorials, Lai responded, “No, never again. That’s the only one that’s still on me.” Lai also noted that he did not provide any specific training or coaching to his staff; the text was shared with them.

Regarding how Lai ensures that employees adhere to these principles, he said, “Because I believe that they are Hong Kong people, their alignment with us is just very natural.”

### 10:18 Jimmy Lai: Apple Daily’s Core Values Include Rule of Law, Democracy; Opposes Violence and Hong Kong Independence

Defense attorney Steve Kwan, leading the examination, noted that Jimmy Lai is not young and hoped for a 15-minute break in the afternoon. After Lai appeared in court, Kwan asked if Lai could hear him speak. Lai responded affirmatively but requested his chair be raised and the volume increased. Kwan referenced Lai’s personal background as mentioned in an interview on June 18, 2020, and a November 2020 interview with Benedict Rogers, which Lai confirmed.

Kwan noted that Lai founded the clothing brand Giordano in the 1980s, sold the company in 1989, and founded Next Magazine the same year. Asked why he closed the clothing company to start a media venture, Lai indicated he was warned that if he did not sell the company, the Chinese government would shut down his operations in China.

Kwan questioned why Lai decided to enter the media industry. Lai mentioned that after the Tiananmen Square incident in 1989, for a businessman who had made some money, starting a newspaper was an excellent opportunity to disseminate information about freedom, “because the more information you have, the more you are in the know, the more you are free.”

Kwan mentioned that the prosecution described Lai as a “political figure,” which Lai denied. Asked when he first became involved in politics, Lai said it was in 1989, following the Tiananmen Square massacre.

Kwan inquired whether Lai stated that five years after launching Next Magazine, he founded Apple Daily? Lai referred to it as a “natural expansion” and noted that Apple Daily has specific core values, including the rule of law, democratic freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly, mirroring the core values of Hong Kong people “because of the long time that they lived under the British system.”

He further stated that Apple Daily has no editorial policy promoting violence or advocating for Hong Kong independence, ” the advocacy of independence of Hong Kong is a conspiracy because people just want to get us into the trap. That was never a reality. That was too crazy to think about this, that’s why I never allow any of our staff or the newspaper to mention about this.”

### 10:15 Jimmy Lai Swears In to Testify

Jimmy Lai, wearing headphones, accompanied by three correctional officers, stepped out of the dock and walked to the witness stand. He held the Bible in his left hand and took the oath in English, in the Catholic tradition.

### 10:08 Court Session Begins

The defense senior barrister, Robert Pang Yiu-hung, stated that there will be no court session on the morning of November 26, and on January 14 and 15, 2025, due to Jimmy Lai’s appeal case in the final court. The prosecutor, Anthony Chau Tin-hang, also mentioned that he has to handle a final court case on January 10.

Judge Esther Toh Lye-ping noted that this adjournment is extended due to Judge Alex Lee Wan-tang being on sick leave and handling another case, while she herself needed to deal with a murder case, now ready to proceed with this trial.

### 09:58 Jimmy Lai Enters Courtroom

Dressed in a white shirt, green sweater, and brown suit jacket, Jimmy Lai entered the defendant’s dock, clasping his hands and smiling as he greeted his family. He then put on his glasses and waited for the session to begin.

### 09:30 Jimmy Lai Escorted to Court in Prison Van, Cardinal Joseph Zen Attends

Around 9:30 AM, police blocked the road as an armored prison van, accompanied by a convoy, entered the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts building via the wrong side of Tong Chow Street. Armed Counter-Terrorism Response Unit officers were on guard at the scene. Jimmy Lai’s wife, Teresa Lai, and his daughter arrived at the court early in the morning, followed by Cardinal Joseph Zen, the retired Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, who slowly made his way into the courthouse.

### 08:30 Consuls from Multiple Countries Attend Hearing

Outside the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, a large number of police officers continued to be stationed, conducting vehicle searches and occasionally stopping journalists and members of the public for checks, including a young man wearing a lyric T-shirt and another carrying a yellow umbrella. Citizens were later allowed to proceed.

Around 8:30 AM, members of the public were gradually allowed to enter the court premises to wait for tokens. Additionally, representatives from several consulates in Hong Kong also arrived to observe the proceedings.

### 07:00 Over 70 People Queue Overnight in the Rain for Public Gallery Tokens

At 7 AM today, approximately 70 citizens were queued up for seats in the public gallery, enduring heavy rainfall outside the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts (acting as the High Court). Those in line had to hold umbrellas for an extended period, with some wearing raincoats or draped in reflective thermal blankets.

Ah Sen, at the front of the queue, had been waiting since Tuesday morning for a seat to observe the sentencing in the primary election case. After the case concluded, he did not return home but immediately lined up to attend Jimmy Lai’s hearing. He mentioned not having showered or brushed his teeth. “It rained all night, and I had to sit in my raincoat, so my feet and shoes are completely soaked,” he said. He also revealed that last night, the police recorded the IDs of several people at the front of the line, which they claimed was to protect them from queue jumpers.

Similarly, Ah Yim (pseudonym), who had also been in line since the sentencing of the primary election case, said it rained heavily last night, “but friends in front, behind, and beside each other looked after one another,” sharing hand warmers and snacks. He too was drenched and hardly slept. He expressed a desire to witness the “turn of an era” by attending Lai’s trial but found the two-day queue challenging. “I don’t know why there are so many people queuing up without a clear purpose,” he commented, “If someone genuinely wants to attend the trial, I have no problem with that, but if they don’t even know why they are there, I feel it infringes on the rights of other citizens who want to listen to the proceedings.”

The Trial Began Last December

The trial of Jimmy Lai’s national security case commenced on December 17, 2023. Key figures from Apple Daily including Cheung Kim-hung, Chan Pui-man, and SWHK (Save Hong Kong) member Andy Li, among 6 individuals, testified as prosecution witnesses. The prosecution completed presenting their case in June 2024.

The case is presided over by designated National Security Law judges Esther Toh Lye-ping, Susana Maria D’Almada Remedios, and Alex Lee Wan-tang in the High Court. Representing the prosecution are Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Chau Tin-hang, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Ivan Cheung Cheuk-kan, and Senior Prosecution Officer Crystal Chan Wing-sum; while Jimmy Lai is represented by Senior Counsel Robert Pang Yiu-hung, Barrister Steve Kwan, and New Zealand Queen’s Counsel Marc Corlett, who is qualified to practice in Hong Kong.

The Witness