HONG KONG: Jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai testified on Thursday (Jan 16) that he brokered conferences between former Taiwan chief Tsai Ing-wen and American institution figures, with prosecutors alleging he was colluded with international forces.
Lai is without doubt one of the most distinguished figures to be prosecuted beneath Hong Kong’s nationwide safety regulation, which Beijing imposed in 2020 following enormous pro-democracy protests within the metropolis.
Western nations and human rights teams have known as for the discharge of the 77-year-old founding father of the now-shuttered tabloid Apple Daily, who has been behind bars since December 2020.
Lai took the witness stand for the primary time in November and prosecutors started cross-examination Thursday after protection attorneys concluded their questioning.
The crime of collusion with international forces carries a most sentence of life imprisonment. Lai additionally faces expenses regarding “seditious publications”.
On Thursday, Lai mentioned he had entered right into a paid “consulting” settlement in 2017 through which retired US General Jack Keane and former US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz would meet with Tsai Ing-wen, at Taiwan’s chief period.
Lai mentioned that shortly after Trump turned president in 2016, Tsai’s authorities had wished to know the most recent U.S. pondering on the self-ruled island.
“(Keane and Wolfowitz) have been each associates of mine and appeared to know the (Trump) administration’s emotions and pondering towards Taiwan,” Lai instructed the courtroom.
Prosecutors offered messages in courtroom that they mentioned confirmed Lai supported a stronger American navy presence in Taiwan.
“I counsel that the aim of (Keane and Wolfowitz’s) engagement was to advise Taiwan on a navy buildup,” prosecutor Anthony Chau mentioned.
“I disagree,” Lai responded.
