Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai was set on using US ties for anti-China acts, court hears

Hong Kong prosecutors have hit out at former media owner Jimmy Lai Chee-ying for likening his appeals for foreign intervention to a transnational partnership among law enforcement authorities, while arguing his “persistent” collaborations with US political figures showed his determination to instigate anti-China measures.

The prosecution on Monday began wrapping up its evidence against the Apple Daily founder at the closing stage of his marathon national security trial at West Kowloon Court after two enforced adjournments.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Chau Tin-hang dismissed the defence’s contention that Lai was merely exercising his fundamental rights protected by the city’s constitutional documents, including the Basic Law.

He referred to a passage of the prosecution’s court filing that said it was “surprising to see that [Lai] raised freedoms of thought and association as his shield”.

Chau also highlighted a point made in the defence’s written submission that sought to compare what Lai did at the material time with the cooperation between the Department of Justice and the International Association of Prosecutors.

“We submit it is inconceivable they sought to draw this analogy. It is totally incomprehensible and we find it absurd to make this example,” Chau said.