Jimmy Lai, A Free Speech Hero
I recently watched the Hong Konger: Jimmy Lai’s Extraordinary Story of Freedom, and am astounded by how much I did not know about not only this once-in-a-generation-leader, but also a once-in-a-generation-people.
In case you are like me and maybe had heard the name Jimmy Lai before but could not answer where or who this hero is, let me give you a brief run down (and hopefully inspire you to watch the documentary for yourself!).
Jimmy Lai is a leading activist for liberty, rule of law, democracy, and human rights in Chinese- controlled Hong Kong. Lai is currently imprisoned for his pro-freedom, anti-communist stance. While imprisoned he has won many awards for his bravery in standing up to the Chinese regime.
Freedom of expression is taken for granted in the United States to the extent that criticizing the government could be considered a national pastime. Our media seems to criticize elected officials more than anything else, and I do not think we realize what a beautiful thing that is. We have the ability to hold our lawmakers accountable, and if they want good press, they have to please the American people. That is a power we should neither forget nor abuse.
From Refugee to Tycoon
The Hong Konger: Jimmy Lai’s Extraordinary Story of Freedom chronicles the daring life story of Jimmy Lai, a man who is currently sitting in jail for his pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong. Jimmy Lai (also known as Lai Chee Ying) fled oppression in Mao Zedong’s communist rule over mainland China when he was barely a teenager. He was penniless and hungry but determined to escape and save himself by any means necessary.
Smuggled in the bottom of a fishing boat, he arrived in British-controlled Hong Kong penniless, speaking no English, and began working in a factory for about $8 per month.
Despite these humble beginnings, Hong Kong’s economic freedom allowed Jimmy to rise from impoverished laborer to wildly successful entrepreneur and media tycoon, amassing considerable wealth and influence.
The Handover and Broken Promises
His comfortable life changed dramatically when Hong Kong transitioned from British to Chinese control in 1997. China promised a “one country, two systems” approach, vowing to maintain rule of law, individual liberty, and economic freedom in Hong Kong.
Predictably, China broke its word. While Hong Kong initially remained relatively unchanged, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) gradually exerted greater control, refusing Hong Kongers’ pleas for promised democracy and enacting laws like Article 23 that restricted freedom of expression.
Standing Against Tyranny
Jimmy recognized the erosion of liberty and refused to remain silent. Already outspoken against the Chinese government regarding the Tiananmen Square massacres, he used his newspaper, Apple Daily, to empower activists, journalists, and liberty supporters worldwide to fight the CCP’s human rights abuses.
As his influence grew, so did the danger. Despite mounting pressure and warnings about his safety, Jimmy refused to leave Hong Kong. Though one of the wealthiest men in the region who could have easily relocated to Europe or America, he chose to stay with his people.
In his own words from the documentary, he “would not make trouble for his people and then leave the trouble.” He remained committed to fighting for freedom, even from prison.
Current Situation and Call to Action
The CCP has repeatedly arrested Jimmy on fabricated charges. Now elderly and diabetic, he’s reportedly kept in solitary confinement frequently, raising serious concerns for his health. His case has attracted international attention, including from former President Trump’s State Department.
With freedom comes responsibility. As Americans blessed with constitutional rights, we have a duty to advocate for those denied these God-given freedoms. There is no difference in humanity between us and Chinese citizens oppressed by the CCP. They deserve the same rights we enjoy.
Americans must fight not only for Jimmy Lai and Hong Kong but for victims of communism everywhere.
