The case will be heard at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court in the morning of December 11, when the founder of Next Media Hong Kong, Lai Chi-ying, is charged by the Hong Kong Police with “colluding with foreign countries or forces outside the country to endanger national security”. Subsequently, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a spokesman for Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, among other foreign dignitaries, have expressed serious concern and interest in the matter.
Johnson’s spokesman told reporters that day that “the UK remains deeply concerned about the Hong Kong authorities’ preoccupation with legal proceedings against pro-democracy figures such as Lai Chi-ying.” The British side said, “We have raised this case with the authorities and will continue to lobby them at a high level to stop the voices against democrats.” Although Lai Chi-ying holds a British passport, the British Foreign Office said it could not provide him with consular assistance because China does not recognize dual citizenship.
In addition, Nabila Massrali, spokeswoman for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrelli, noted via Twitter, “Hong Kong: allegations against activist Lai Chi-ying. The Lai Chi-ying incident is another concerning development for civil society and pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong under national security laws. Fundamental freedoms must be respected and protected.”
Swedish Foreign Minister Linde also tweeted, “As arrests of human rights activists continue to occur, developments in Hong Kong are even more worrying. It is important to ensure that the human rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Basic Law of Hong Kong are exercised.” The response from the international community on the incident is still festering.
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