Jimmy Lai Denies Foreign Collusion in Landmark Hong Kong Trial

Jimmy Lai, the 76-year-old pro-democracy advocate and founder of Hong Kong’s now-shuttered Apple Daily, has denied allegations of collusion with foreign forces during his first testimony in a national security trial that could result in a life sentence.

Facing accusations tied to his foreign contacts, including former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Taiwan’s ex-President Tsai Ing-wen, Lai firmly stated in court on Wednesday, “Never.”

Dressed in a brown jacket and glasses, Lai appeared in good spirits despite visibly losing weight since his arrest. Smiling and waving to supporters outside the courtroom, he received warm encouragement from dozens of well-wishers who queued to show their solidarity.

When questioned about his interactions with international figures, Lai said his meetings were purely informational. Regarding a meeting with Pence, Lai stated, “I would just relay to him what happened in Hong Kong when he asked me.” As for then U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, he explained that he asked Pompeo “not to do something but to say something, to voice support for Hong Kong.”

Lai is already serving multiple sentences for his alleged role in the 2019 pro-democracy protests that prompted Beijing to implement the sweeping National Security Law (NSL). His trial follows the sentencing of 45 activists from the “Hong Kong 47” group earlier this week, including prominent figures Benny Tai and Joshua Wong.