Jimmy Lai's son calls father's trial a sham
- Jimmy Lai has been on trial in Hong Kong for collusion with foreign forces and other charges since mid-2020.
- His son Sebastien views the trial as unfair and expresses concern for his father's health as he approaches 77 years old.
- The trial highlights a significant issue regarding the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong and the lack of due process.
In Hong Kong, democracy activist Jimmy Lai has been on trial facing serious charges related to national security since mid-2020, including colluding with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. His trial has been described by his son, Sebastien Lai, as a sham, and he expresses pride in his father's resilience. The trial follows Lai's activism for democracy, particularly during the significant protests in 2019, where he advocated for peaceful resistance. Lai's son has been vocally opposing his father's detention globally, emphasizing the urgent need for his father's release due to his declining health and age, as he is set to turn 77 next month. The case underscores a broader issue of government crackdown on free speech and journalism in Hong Kong, with Sebastien asserting that the trial symbolizes a broader assault on fundamental freedoms that once defined the region. The lack of a jury and the government-appointed judges raise serious concerns about the impartiality of the proceedings, leading to fears about how justice is being administered in the territory. As international attention turns towards Lai's case, calls for his release have come from political figures, but the situation remains dire and critical for the pro-democracy icon.