A Call for Freedom: Remembering Jimmy Lai on World Press Freedom Day

George Orwell once remarked that liberty signifies the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. As we observe World Press Freedom Day, it is crucial to reflect on individuals who have lost their freedoms while fighting for this very principle.

One such individual is my father, Jimmy Lai. He currently resides in Stanley maximum security prison in Hong Kong, facing potential life imprisonment for the mere act of publishing content that Chinese authorities wish to suppress.

A Journey of Transformation

My father’s narrative embodies extraordinary transformation and unshakable conviction. Arriving in Hong Kong at age 12 after fleeing Communist China, he began his early life as a child laborer in a clothing factory, enduring hardship and poverty.

Against all odds, he climbed from factory worker to factory manager. By 1975, he made a bold move by purchasing a bankrupt garment factory, which laid the foundation for his first major success: Giordano. This clothing chain blossomed into an international brand, employing thousands and establishing stores across Asia.

The Impact of Tiananmen Square

The events of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre marked a turning point in my father’s life. Witnessing the brutal suppression of pro-democracy activists spurred him to dedicate his endeavors to activism, focused on advocating for freedom and human rights in Hong Kong.

In 1995, he founded Apple Daily, a newspaper that rapidly became a beacon of free speech and democracy, unafraid to criticize the Chinese Communist Party and expose corruption. My father committed $100 million of his own fortune to this venture, ensuring the publication’s independence and commitment to fearless reporting.

Championing Democracy

His media empire, which included Next Magazine and Apple Daily, served as a megaphone for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, rallying citizens and challenging state authority. His outspoken indictments of Beijing and unwavering support for protestors made him a prime target for retribution.

Consequently, the Chinese Communist Party branded him as a ‘troublemaker,’ leading to retaliatory actions against his businesses, including the closure of his Giordano store in Beijing following a controversial column. Nevertheless, he remained resolute, famously stating that information equates to choice, and choice symbolizes freedom, using a blend of high-minded and popular content to disseminate the message of liberty.

Staying True to Values

My father’s steadfast commitment to his principles distinguishes him from other entrepreneurs. While numerous business leaders in Hong Kong opted for silence or compromise, he stood firm, enduring threats, arrests, and ultimately, imprisonment for his convictions. In 2014, he was detained during the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement protests, and again in 2020 as Beijing tightened its control over Hong Kong, he faced charges under the draconian National Security Law.

Despite looming risks, he chose not to flee, opting instead to remain in Hong Kong and uphold his beliefs, even when Apple Daily was forced to shut down. He now confronts the grim prospect of spending the rest of his life incarcerated.

A Symbol of Hope

My father’s journey is emblematic of the power of conviction. He transcends the roles of businessman and media mogul; he represents freedom and hope for countless individuals. His outsider experience as an immigrant who never fully assimilated provided him with the resilience to defy conventions and challenge established norms.

Despite his wealth and influence, he remains a deeply human figure— a husband, a father, and a practicing Catholic. We miss his vibrant voice and hearty laughter around the dinner table. We yearn for the day we can once again share meals and prayer together.

The Path to Freedom

In recent months, both President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have publicly underscored their commitment to securing my father’s freedom, aligning with the president’s agenda to prioritize the release of unjustly detained individuals abroad. The president has successfully secured the release of 14 individuals since taking office.

My father is fortified by substantial bipartisan support both domestically and internationally. The United States and the United Kingdom have called for his immediate and unconditional release, as have the parliaments of Canada and the European Union. His courage has garnered numerous accolades, and on May 29, I will accept a Bradley Prize on his behalf in Washington. Regrettably, he remains imprisoned.

A Collective Responsibility

My father stands alongside ten other journalists still imprisoned in Hong Kong, many of whom were part of the Apple Daily team. While he may be the most recognizable figure among them, each of these journalists fought bravely for their right to speak truth to power and to defend their way of life.

Their courage serves as a poignant reminder that freedom is not guaranteed; it requires relentless struggle and often comes at a steep personal cost. My father’s defiance in the face of overwhelming odds, his willingness to sacrifice everything for his principles, and his unwavering belief in the dignity of all people position him as a true hero of our era.

The Fight Continues

At 77 years old, he has spent the last four years in a maximum-security prison for his beliefs. His legacy shines as a beacon of hope, illustrating how one individual’s bravery can alter the course of history.

The conclusion of my father’s story has yet to be penned. This World Press Freedom Day, I implore all those who value free speech to join our fight for his release, allowing him to leave Hong Kong and spend his remaining years surrounded by family.