Jimmy Lai is one of the seven people who have been detained for fraud operations and colliding with foreign forces. On 10th August 2020, i.e., Monday, Lai was arrested. The police raided his newspaper office. Then, he was led out of there in handcuffs. This is a part of the crackdown activity after China imposed a security law in the City. Let us dive further into the article to know more about it.
Jimmy Lai is one of the most prominent activists in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is currently a Chinese ruled city. On 30th June 2020 a new law was imposed. It said that illegal activities such as crimes of recession, terrorism, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces are punishable for a life sentence. It was considered a national security law. Even damaging the public transportation will be considered as terrorism. People in Hong Kong are protesting against the law. They have even started a pro-democracy movement. This law is applicable to both the permanent and non-permanent citizens. Carrie Lam is the pro-Beijing leader of China and the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong. She stated that the law was long overdue.
Lai’s arrest is considered as one of the biggest moments against the pro-democracy opposition. No proof has come to light. This arrest was based on a suspension. Journalists have said that Jimmy Lai should be released immediately. The charges against him should also be dropped until any proof is admitted. Many people said that the law is passed in order to suppress the pro-democracy opinions. As a result, the freedom of the press will also be restricted. After arresting 7 people, the operation is still in process and more people will be arrested in the near future.
The footage of 200 Police Officers conducting the raid took a dramatic turn. Law Wai-Kwong, Chief Editor of the newspaper, was seen demanding a warrant. The journalists working at Lai’s Apple Daily posted it on Facebook. Very soon, the video went viral. This action would have been unimaginable a month ago. This behavior is completely ill-mannered, shocking, and terrifying.
Lai’s arrest is being viewed as the most high-profile arrest until now. It has triggered condemnation within Hong Kong as well as the other parts of the world. People have stopped talking about politics there. Their freedom of speech has been pinned down. They just want to save their own life now. This action sends out an absolutely negative message. After the arrest, Next Digital shares have skyrocketed with people buying and supporting him. China has always labeled Lai as a traitor. They did so because he talked freely regarding the new rule and China’s dictatorship behavior. Let us know in the comments section your thoughts on this.
