On a winter morning in 2022, Raphael Wong and Figo Chan walked into Hong Kong's Stanley prison to meet Jimmy Lai, the media billionaire who had been arrested two years earlier, awaiting trial on charges stemming from national security laws.
They were key figures in the protests that rocked Hong Kong in 2019, demanding democracy and greater freedoms. This reunion, marked by shared memories and a harsh reality, was a far cry from their past dinners filled with laughter and dim sum.
Lai, once buoyed by success and the irreverent nickname 'Fatty Lai', has now traded lavish meals for the meager offerings of prison food. He remains a beacon of hope for many in Hong Kong, having used his influence through the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper to push for democratic values.
Despite being a UK citizen, Lai refused to escape, saying, 'I got everything I have because of this place.' His commitment to Hong Kong’s freedoms drove his activism, placing him at odds with the CCP and ultimately leading to his arrest.
In prison, Lai deepened his Catholic faith, praying for solace in his solitary confinement. His devotion has only increased amid the challenges of imprisonment. As he faced his trial, the High Court highlighted his 'rabid hatred' for the Chinese Communist Party, underscoring the political consequences of his candidness.
Lai’s conviction, reflecting the changing dynamics of Hong Kong under the national security law, resonates beyond his personal struggle—it exemplifies the broader fight for rights and freedoms in a once-liberal city now under tight surveillance.
As Lai's family advocates for his release due to health concerns, they paint a picture of a patriarch missed dearly, highlighting the emotional toll of his activism on his loved ones. Hong Kong’s future remains uncertain, with many fearing that Lai's indomitable spirit is yet another casualty of a repressive regime.
