Who is Jimmy Lai? | ACI PRESS

Jimmy Lai, self -taught Catholic entrepreneur and media magnate, built an empire based on freedom of expression and truthful journalism, but today is behind bars as one of the highest profile political prisoners in China.

Jimmy Lai Chee-Ying, known as Jimmy Laiwas born in Guangzhou (China) in 1947, during the Chinese civil war. After the taking of power by the Chinese Communist Party (PCCH), Lai’s mother was sent to a field of work, leaving him already his brothers to his fate during his childhood.

At age 12, Lai hid on a ship to Hong Kong, escaping from continental China with the hope of a better life. He arrived without money and found work in a clothing factory, where he eventually promoted to a managerial position.

In Hong Kong, Lai identified the need for quality and affordable clothing. He founded a chain of clothing stores called Giordano, which was very profitable and provided the necessary richness to launch its media digital conglomerate. The company became the largest media company quoted on Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and published a popular weekly magazine called Next Magazine.

After the success of the magazine, Lai founded Apple Daily in 1995. This tabloid was known for its pro-democracy position and its critical coverage to China and the Hong Kong government.

Among its success in the fashion and popularity industry of its media company, the history of Lai became an example of overcoming. In 2008, he was recognized as “Millionaire Forbes”, With an estimated assets of 1.2 billion dollars. Despite its wealth, the husband and father prioritized family, faith and principles of democracy and freedom.

Become pro-democracy activist

Through its means and other rights defense activities, Lai became an open critic of the PCCH. His activism for freedom of expression led to his first arrest on August 10, 2020, during a raid in the offices of his newspaper under a new National Security Law.

The law, approved by the government controlled by the communists, severely restricted freedom of expression in Hong Kong to end what the PCCH considered subversion. He entered into force on July 1, 2020, after being imposed without going through the Hong Kong legislature.

After his arrest, Lai was released on bail while waiting for trial. He had the opportunity to leave Hong Kong with his family, since he is a British citizen, but decided to stay, committed to his mission and faith.

Lai became Catholicism in 1997. He had attended the Church with his Catholic wife, Teresa, for years before his conversion. Finally, he embraced the faith and was baptized by Cardinal Joseph Zen, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong.

After deciding to stay in Hong Kong, Lai said: “If I leave, I not only give up my destiny, I give up God, I give up my religion, I give up what I believe.”

“I am what I am. I am what I believe. I can’t change it. And if I can’t change it, I have to accept my destiny with praise.”

Lai was arrested again in December 2020 for fraud charges and bail was denied. In the following years, he continued receiving sentences extended by positions that included unauthorized assemblies, protests, other charges of fraud and participation in the vigil of the Tiananmen square of 2020, a commemorative service for those who died in the Tiananmen massacre in 1989.

LAI’s current trial

Initially scheduled to start in 2022, the National Security Trial It was delayed until December 18, 2023. The trial continued to be postponed Lai, the bond was denied despite several appeals. When it finally began, Lai declared itself “not guilty” of conspiracy charges to collapse with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious material.

It was estimated that the process would last 80 days, but extended until June 11, 2024, when it extended to November 20, 2024. The case has had interruptions that, according to the Government, were due to “health problems” and “bad weather.”

While waiting in prison, Lai has dedicated himself to religious reading and prayer, even creating religious drawings, mainly images of the Crucifixion of Christ. The 77 -year -old has been in lonely confinement for more than four years, where the Eucharist is denied and is subject to inhuman conditions.

A Hong Kong court heard the final arguments on August 18, but it is not clear when the verdict will be issued. Lai’s legal team has said that anticipates a conviction, since it is being judged under a law that “essentially criminalizes dissent.” Therefore, hope is that sufficient international support helps achieve its liberation.

Catholic bishops Of all the world have been firm in asking for the freedom of Lai, along with several political leaders. In August, President Donald Trump promised to do “everything possible” to save Lai from unfair imprisonment. Lai’s family has dedicated himself to spreading his history and fighting for his liberation.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.