In this issue: HK Alliance Trial : Prosecution Rests, Lee Testify in March| Jimmy Lai’s Sentence: The High Cost of Western Appeasement | When Journalism Becomes a “Serious Crime” | HK Labour Rights Newsflash
HK Alliance Trial: Prosecution Rests, Lee Cheuk-yan May Testify in March
The trial of the Hong Kong Alliance began on 22 January, with former chair and labour leader Lee Cheuk-yan and vice-chair Chow Hang-tung pleading not guilty to charges of “inciting subversion.” The prosecution’s case relies heavily on 82 video clips spanning 1996 to 2021, many related to annual June 4 commemorations. Notably, more than 70% of the footage predates the National Security Law, prompting the court to question its relevance and why actions that were lawful at the time are now being scrutinised.
Chow also applied to call an academic expert to explain the historical and constitutional meaning of the slogan “end one-party rule,” arguing that the Alliance’s platform did not violate China’s constitution. The court rejected the request.
The trial will resume on 9 March, when judges will decide whether the prosecution has established a case to answer. Lee is expected to testify in his own defence if the case proceeds. The outcome could have far-reaching implications beyond the two defendants — and sustained public attention will be vital to ensure they are not left to face this alone.
Jimmy Lai’s Sentence: The High Cost of Western Appeasement
Our Chief Executive, Christopher Mung, has published commentaries in the international magazine ‘The Diplomat’ and diaspora outlet ‘Pulse HK News’, responding to the heavy prison sentences imposed on Jimmy Lai and senior Apple Daily editors.
Less than two weeks before Lai was sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer walked the red carpet at the Great Hall of the People for a high-profile meeting with Xi Jinping, in a visit widely described as a diplomatic “reset”. Starmer said he raised Lai’s case, but offered no details. Beijing’s answer soon followed in the form of severe prison terms.
As Western leaders seek to revive trade and rebuild ties with China, the crackdown on dissent has only intensified. The question is unavoidable: when economic interests clash with human rights, what will Western governments choose and who will bear the cost of that choice?
When Journalism Becomes a “Serious Crime”
Jimmy Lai’s 20-year sentence made global headlines. Less noticed are three senior Apple Daily editors jailed for up to 10 years, for what amounted to routine newsroom work. Their roles included planning coverage, editing articles, and attending editorial meetings, yet the court labelled their actions “serious crimes” and applied a harsh sentencing benchmark.
Mitigating factors and differences in responsibility made little impact. Their punishment even exceeded that of a senior executive who testified for prosecutors.
The implication is clear: in Hong Kong, ordinary journalistic work can now carry severe criminal consequences with chilling effects far beyond a single newsroom.
HK Labour Rights Newsflash
- Sweatshop Claims Unresolved as Starmer Praises Pop Mart China Visit <Read more>
- Hong Kong Voice Actors Warn of AI Threat to Voice Rights <Read more>
- International Community Urges Halt to China Normalisation as Jimmy Lai Jailed for 20 Years <Read more>
- Hong Kong’s Healthcare Strike, Six Years On <Read more>