Brussels, 18/12/2023 (Agence Europe) – The spokesperson for the European External Action Service deplored, on Monday 18 December, National Security Law charges brought against Hong Kong media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai on the first day of his trial (see EUROPE 13202/17). “The trial brought against him undermines confidence in the Rule of law in Hong Kong and is detrimental to the city’s attractiveness and its position as an international business hub”, warned the spokesperson, pointing out that the entrepreneur, who has been imprisoned for more than 1,000 days, has been the subject of multiple lawsuits linked to his support for freedom of expression and democracy in Hong Kong. The spokesperson recalled that freedom of the press and the free expression of opinions were enshrined in the Basic Law and that China had undertook international commitments to respect Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and its rights and freedoms. (CG)