Nick Schifrin:
Jimmy Lai has been detained by Hong Kong authorities in solitary confinement for 1,700 straight days. He’s become a symbol of the death of personal freedoms in Hong Kong.
Jimmy Lai arrived in Hong Kong at the age of 12, stowed away on a fishing boat. He worked his way up to become a media tycoon and a leading pro-democracy advocate. In the summer of 2020, he became the most prominent person arrested under a national security law that punished people not only for what they did, but also what they said.
Anyone who — quote — “provoked the hatred of Beijing,” who called for Hong Kong separation from mainland China, who received support from a foreign country, as judged by Beijing-backed courts, could be sentenced to life in prison.
And now, after a two-year trial and five years of detention, Jimmy Lai’s health is deteriorating, posing a grave risk to his physical and mental health and to his life.
To discuss this, I’m joined by Sebastien Lai, Jimmy Lai’s son.
Sebastien Lai, thanks very much. Welcome back…
Sebastien Lai, Son of Jimmy Lai: Thanks for having for me.
