Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Speaks On National Security Law

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai said the new security law imposed by China was “worse than the worst scenario imagined” for the territory’s pro-democracy movement.

The wealthy businessman known for founding the popular Apple Daily newspaper and for being an outspoken activist said the new legislation means “Hong Kong is totally subdued, totally under control.”

The security law is seen by many as Beijing’s boldest move yet to erase the legal firewall between the semi-autonomous territory and the mainland’s authoritarian Communist Party system.

Under the law, anyone suspected of taking part in subversive, secessionist or terrorist activities, as well as colluding with foreign forces to intervene in the city’s affairs, could face a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. In some cases, mainland China will assume jurisdiction and suspects could be sent there for trial.

Lai said he will continue fighting for democracy, stressing the need to “hold onto the hope, otherwise we will not be able to continue our resistance.”

He declined to elaborate on how the pro-democracy movement will continue, saying discussions are needed on how to move forward, but he remained hopeful Hong Kong will one day have democracy.

Lai became an outspoken advocate for democracy in Hong Kong after the bloody June 4, 1989, crackdown on pro-democracy protesters around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

He founded the Apple Daily tabloid in 1995, ahead of Britain’s handover of Hong Kong to China.

Like Lai, Apple Daily adopts a strong pro-democracy stance, often urging readers to take part in protests.

On the July 1 handover anniversary, its front page denounced the security legislation, stating that the “evil law is the final nail in the coffin for the ‘one country, two systems’ framework” under which Hong Kong was returned to China.

Lai, together with 14 other pro-democracy figures, is currently facing charges of organizing and participating in several massive anti-government protests deemed unlawful last year.

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