Xi Jinpingās repressive policy on dissent in the former colony is starting to resemble a vendetta as Jimmy Lai faces a new trial
The trial of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and media tycoon, which is due to begin this week, marks another low point in Chinaās relentless assault on individual and civil rights in Britainās former colony ā whose traditional freedoms Beijing is legally bound to uphold.
Lai, a UK citizen who founded the popular Apple Daily newspaper, faces charges of conspiracy to publish seditious material and collusion with foreign powers under Beijingās draconian 2020 national security law. The accusations are offensive and ridiculous. In effect, Chinaās Communist party is mounting a show trial.