On a winter morning in 2022, Raphael Wong and Figo Chan visited Jimmy Lai, the media billionaire arrested two years earlier for national security offenses stemming from his involvement in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. Both Wong and Chan had experienced the energy of the city during the 2019 protests, where Lai emerged as a key player by leveraging his influential newspaper, Apple Daily, to advocate for democratic freedoms.
During their visit, Lai’s unexpected taste for simple rice dishes highlighted the stark reality of his imprisonment—gone was the jovial community figure nicknamed 'Fatty Lai'. His transformation serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of defiance against the Chinese government. As a prominent critic of the Communist Party, Lai's commitment to representing the city he loved has now led him to the other side of the bars.
Lai, who retains British citizenship, chose to stay in Hong Kong and uphold its freedoms rather than escape, forming the backbone of his political philosophy. His life exemplifies a continued fight against eroding liberties under a government that seeks to eliminate dissent through a controversial national security law.
Despite his challenges, Lai's faith deepened during solitary confinement, where he devoted significant time to prayer and reflection. He encouraged acquaintances to join him in solidarity, embodying his hope for a free Hong Kong.
Critics of Lai argue that his efforts contributed to societal unrest. However, many see him as a martyr of a cause—stripped of freedom but not conviction. As he faces potential life imprisonment, Lai’s story resonates as a bold criticism of the suppression of freedom in Hong Kong and the devastating impact of political oppression.
