Latest news with #JimmyLai
HKFP
3 days ago
- Politics
- HKFP
Gov't defends Jimmy Lai's detention arrangements after newspaper op-ed alleges ‘appalling conditions' in custody
The Hong Kong government has defended the detention arrangements of jailed pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai after a US newspaper published an op-ed saying Lai suffered from 'appalling conditions' in custody. In this picture taken on June 16, 2020, millionaire media tycoon Jimmy Lai, speaks during an interview at the Next Digital offices in Hong Kong. File photo: Anthony Wallace/AFP. The government said in a statement on Wednesday evening that it strongly condemned 'various organisations in the United States… and Western countries for 'disregarding the facts' and 'smearing' the government's handling of Lai's national security case. Lai, the 77-year-old founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy media outlet Apple Daily, has been detained since December 2020. His national security trial was adjourned in March and will restart in August. Separately, he is also serving an almost six-year sentence for fraud over violating lease agreements relating to Apple Daily's headquarters. 'Their remarks fully exposed the malicious and despicable intentions of anti-China organisations and media from the US and Western countries to undermine the rule of law in Hong Kong,' the statement read. The remarks came after Mark L. Clifford, the former director of Apple Daily's parent company Next Digital, said in an opinion piece on Wall Street Journal that Lai 'has been in solitary confinement for most of his time behind bars. He said he was concerned about Lai's health in the 'windowless cell,' especially amid the city's hot summers. Stanley Prison. File Photo: Frog Wong, via Google Map. Clifford said Hong Kong's temperature next week was forecast to be in the 90s in Fahrenheit, or over 32 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is expected to be 95 per cent. He said it would 'feel as if it is more than 100 degrees,' or almost 38 degrees Celsius. 'In Mr. Lai's un-air-conditioned windowless cell, it will feel even hotter. That is neither safe nor humane,' Clifford, who has authored a book about Lai, said. 'Why is Hong Kong so aggressive in responding to questions about Mr. Lai? The answer lies in the absurdity of holding a 77-year-old newspaper publisher in appalling conditions while he is being tried on sham charges,' he wrote. Foreign lawyers' claims Apart from Clifford, a team of Lai's overseas-based lawyers including King's Counsel Caoilfhionn Gallagher, who has described herself as a counsel for Lai, have been alleging that the mogul has been placed in prolonged solitary confinement for almost four years. Last September, the team also made an appeal to the UN alleging that Lai had been denied access to diabetes medication. Following the foreign lawyers' claims, Lai's local legal representatives, from Robertsons Solicitors, said Lai wanted it to be known that he had been receiving 'medical attention' for his conditions, including diabetes, Bloomberg reported. Jimmy Lai's son, Sebastien Lai (left) and King's Counsel Caoilfhionn Gallagher. Photo: FreeJimmyLai, via X. Lai also has access to 'daylight through the windows in the corridor outside his cell albeit he cannot see the sky,' and is allowed to do exercises for an hour every day, according to the local lawyers. In Wednesday's statement, the Hong Kong government said the solitary confinement was made at Lai's request and approved by the Correctional Services Department (CSD). The department 'attaches great importance' to the health and safety of those in custody, it added. '[T]he CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, and that an environment with good ventilation, as well as appropriate and timely medical support will be provided,' the statement read. In June 2020, Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong's mini-constitution – bypassing the local legislature – following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts, which were broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers, alarming democrats, civil society groups and trade partners, as such laws have been used broadly to silence and punish dissidents in China. However, the authorities say it has restored stability and peace to the city. Safeguard press freedom; keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team One-time Monthly One-time $150 $500 $1,000 Other Donation amount $ Monthly $150 $250 $500 Other Donation amount per month $ Members of HK$150/month unlock 8 benefits: An HKFP deer keyring or tote; exclusive Tim Hamlett columns; feature previews; merch drops/discounts; "behind the scenes" insights; a chance to join newsroom Q&As, early access to our Annual/Transparency Report & all third-party banner ads disabled. Join or donate instantly
RTHK
4 days ago
- Politics
- RTHK
Govt slams Western remarks on Jimmy Lai case
Govt slams Western remarks on Jimmy Lai case The government has hit out at groups in the United States and other Western countries for their remarks relating to former media tycoon Jimmy Lai. File photo: RTHK The Hong Kong government has strongly condemned organisations in the West for slandering and smearing SAR authorities for handling the national security case of former media tycoon Jimmy Lai and his custodial arrangements. In a statement on Wednesday, the administration said the remarks by foreign groups "fully exposed the malicious and despicable intentions of anti-China organisations and media from the US and Western countries to undermine the rule of law in Hong Kong". A government spokesperson said foreign organisations primarily from the United States and Western countries have made "false and misleading statements by fabricating information" about the treatment provided to Lai during his custody, in an attempt to "glorify criminal behaviour and exert pressure on the courts". "In fact, [Lai's] actual legal representative has already made a clarification earlier that [Lai] has all along been receiving suitable treatment and care in prison," the spokesperson said. "However, the organisations from the US and Western countries choose to turn a blind eye to these facts and evidence, and carry on with their malicious political manoeuvres with ulterior motives." The spokesperson went on to say the Correctional Services Department attaches great importance to the safety and health of people in custody, adding that arrangements for Lai were "no different" from those applicable to others. It also said the arrangement for the former media tycoon to be disassociated from others behind bars has "all along been made at his own request" and was approved by the department.
RTHK
4 days ago
- Politics
- RTHK
Govt slams Western remarks on Jimmy Lai case
Govt slams Western remarks on Jimmy Lai case The government has hit out at groups in the United States and other Western countries for their remarks relating to former media tycoon Jimmy Lai. File photo: RTHK The Hong Kong government has strongly condemned organisations in the West for slandering and smearing SAR authorities for handling the national security case of former media tycoon Jimmy Lai and his custodial arrangements. In a statement on Wednesday, the administration said the remarks by foreign groups "fully exposed the malicious and despicable intentions of anti-China organisations and media from the US and Western countries to undermine the rule of law in Hong Kong". A government spokesperson said foreign organisations primarily from the United States and Western countries have made "false and misleading statements by fabricating information" about the treatment provided to Lai during his custody, in an attempt to "glorify criminal behaviour and exert pressure on the courts". "In fact, [Lai's] actual legal representative has already made a clarification earlier that [Lai] has all along been receiving suitable treatment and care in prison," the spokesperson said. "However, the organisations from the US and Western countries choose to turn a blind eye to these facts and evidence, and carry on with their malicious political manoeuvres with ulterior motives." The spokesperson went on to say the Correctional Services Department attaches great importance to the safety and health of people in custody, adding that arrangements for Lai were "no different" from those applicable to others. It also said the arrangement for the former media tycoon to be disassociated from others behind bars has "all along been made at his own request" and was approved by the department.
Wall Street Journal
5 days ago
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
The Perilous Pressure of Jimmy Lai's Prosecution
Publisher and freedom fighter Jimmy Lai has been behind bars in Hong Kong since the end of 2020—more than 1,650 days. Hong Kong insists all is well with Mr. Lai and rebuts any claims to the contrary. Meantime, the government lashes out at critics who question Mr. Lai's continuing national-security law trial—which could see him jailed for life—as well as his conditions in prison. Late last month the Hong Kong government assailed 'foreign politicians, anti-China organisations, and various media' making 'irresponsible and absurd remarks, distorting the truth' about Mr. Lai's case, 'with the intention of perverting the course of justice.' Why is Hong Kong so aggressive in responding to questions about Mr. Lai? The answer lies in the absurdity of holding a 77-year-old newspaper publisher in appalling conditions while he is being tried on sham charges. Next week's weather forecast for Hong Kong calls for temperatures in the 90s and 95% humidity. It will feel as if it is more than 100 degrees. In Mr. Lai's un-air-conditioned windowless cell, it will feel even hotter. That is neither safe nor humane. That isn't good for Mr. Lai, and it isn't good for China. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently told Parliament that 'it would be a catastrophe, frankly, and a huge mistake for China and its global reputation if it were to find itself in a situation where a 77-year-old man who is clearly in ill health . . . were to die in custody.'
HKFP
06-07-2025
- Politics
- HKFP
‘Highlight of my career': Former US consul general Gregory May on his tenure and a changing Hong Kong
When Gregory May came to Hong Kong in 1992, he stayed at Chungking Mansions – a sprawling, labyrinthine building in Tsim Sha Tsui known for its affordable guesthouses and cultural diversity. At the time, May was a 21-year-old university student passing through Hong Kong en route to Taiwan, where he had enrolled in a one-year programme to study Chinese. After finishing his undergraduate degree and a stint in journalism, May joined the US government for a career in diplomacy. His job took him to places including Italy, Mongolia and mainland China, and in September 2022, Hong Kong. During his last week in the city, 55-year-old May was back at Chungking Mansions, where he enjoyed a cup of masala chai and had his face threaded. After serving as the consul general for Hong Kong and Macau for almost three years, May has moved to Beijing to become second-in-command at the embassy there. Speaking to HKFP last Sunday at his home near the Peak, the diplomat said he was leaving Hong Kong with 'genuine warm feelings' for the city. Outside, in preparation for a farewell party for the consul general, house staff inflated bouncy castles – entertainment for the kids while the adults mingle. 'You can believe that Hong Kong is a wonderful city and still disagree with the policies of the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong governments,' May told HKFP. 'Testy' relationship During May's time as the top US diplomat in Hong Kong, the city enacted its second national security law, two landmark national security trials were underway, and major pro-democracy parties disbanded. There have also been 'ups and downs' in the broader US-China ties, May added. Amid these developments, May described the US government's relationship with Hong Kong authorities as 'testy with room for dialogue.' The diplomat said his 'main concern' during his tenure had been Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. Lai is on trial for conspiring to collude with foreign forces under the Beijing-imposed national security law. However, 'our concern goes beyond Jimmy Lai… you have people who are in jail for participating in political activity that was specifically allowed for in the Basic Law,' May said. 'People [are] in jail for criticising the government online.' 'That's been difficult to witness, and over the three years, that's gotten more challenging in terms of human rights.' In response to HKFP's enquiries, the Hong Kong government said that attempts to 'procure a defendant's evasion of the criminal justice process' are a 'blatant act' of undermining the rule of law. US politicians should 'immediately stop interfering in [Hong Kong]'s internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power,' it added. May also commented on the Hong Kong police's arrest warrants and bounties on 19 overseas activists under the Beijing-imposed national security law. Some of these activists now live in the US, and at least one of them is a US citizen. 'Their alleged crimes [include] things they've said in the United States in our case, under our constitutional protections,' he said, adding that the Hong Kong police were trying to 'suppress free speech in my country.' In its reply to HKFP, the Hong Kong government said the security law's extraterritorial effect 'fully aligns with the principles of international law.' 'Those absconders hiding in the US and other Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security,' it wrote. Still, May said the US had 'good communication overall' with Hong Kong, and that there had been solid cooperation on issues such as combating drug shipments and scams. He added that several lawmakers have been open to discussion despite their disagreements on certain US and Hong Kong policies. 'There is still a group… in some circles of the government that still value maintaining cooperation,' he said. Responding to May's comment about the 'testy' US-Hong Kong relationship, the city's authorities pointed out the ties between the two governments in areas such as trade, education and culture. The US's trade in goods with Hong Kong supports about 140,000 jobs in the US, they said. 'The shared interests between Hong Kong and the US have allowed us to develop a multifaceted and longstanding relationship over the years,' the government said. 'Pressure from outside' The US consulate has not been immune to the city's politicised landscape, May said. Outside of the law, the diplomat said he had observed 'softer repressive measures' aimed at stifling certain groups' 'perfectly legal activities' – and he himself had experienced that first hand. Like the Democratic Party, the city's largest pro-democracy political party, and the Hong Kong Journalists Association, which have faced difficulties securing venues for their annual dinners, the US consulate has encountered similar problems with finding hosts for its events, May said. 'We're doing something in an outside venue, and suddenly there's a plumbing problem over there, or there's some excuse for why the venue is no longer available,' he said. May said it 'hasn't happened very often,' but it had been with 'increasing frequency.' 'It's very clear that this is pressure from outside. Phone calls are made… they get the message that they shouldn't be hosting anything,' he said, adding that these incidents happened closer to the end of his time here. In response, the government told HKFP it had 'no comment' and that rights and freedoms remain protected. Compared with the earlier parts of his tenure, May said he received fewer invitations and had fewer opportunities to give talks at secondary schools to promote higher education in the US. He said he had also had requests to speak at universities rescinded, which he attributed to 'external pressure.' May also expressed concerns about the city's media landscape, saying there had been a 'real deterioration.' Regarding press freedom, the diplomat lamented the demise of political cartoonist Wong Kei-kwan, known as 'Zunzi.' The cartoonist, known for his satirical takes on current affairs, used to have a regular column in the Chinese-language local newspaper Ming Pao. Fluent in Mandarin, May said he subscribed to Ming Pao to keep up his Chinese reading and to read Zunzi's cartoons. The comic strip was suspended in May 2023 after being criticised by authorities. 'I love the cartoons by Zunzi,' May said. 'They're funny, [and] it's a challenge to figure out the Cantonese and the special sayings.' 'He criticised the United States, he criticised a lot of different people in those cartoons, and we can't see them anymore,' he said. 'And we all know why.' The Hong Kong government has repeatedly said that press freedom is not absolute and defended the media landscape, calling it 'as vibrant as ever.' Going local The turbulent relationship between the US and China – and by extension, Hong Kong – may have defined May's tenure in the city. But that is perhaps not what most Hongkongers will remember him for. Videos on the US consulate's Facebook and Instagram pages featuring him shopping at a wet market and riding a minibus, while showing off his earnest, if not imperfect, Cantonese, have racked up hundreds of thousands of views. A four-second clip posted last month, showing him perfectly splitting a piece of tissue in two, has over 300,000 views on Facebook. 'I just found out that many people in Hong Kong have a habit of sharing tissues. Do you think I tore mine the right way?' the caption reads. May said his time in Hong Kong had 'really been the highlight of my career.' Besides the people, the diplomat said he would miss his walks to the Peak from his residence, Ocean Park trips with his son, and above all else, food. 'Hong Kong has so many Michelin-star restaurants… but I think the best places to eat are the ones that don't take Octopus or credit card. Cash only,' he said. The diplomat counts wonton noodles and two-dish rice as his favourites. His go-tos for the latter are preserved sausage and a vegetable like xiao bai cai, a type of Chinese cabbage. Reflecting on the political developments during his almost three years in Hong Kong, May said he would still encourage Americans to move to the city. 'You just have to be knowledgeable about some of the changes here. You need to be mindful of things like the national security law and Article 23,' he said, referring to the homegrown security law passed last year. 'Hong Kong has changed. Hong Kong, fundamentally, is not the free society that it used to be.'
