The former Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai has become what observers say is a symbol of the 2020 crackdown on press freedoms in Hong Kong. The vocal critic of China’s Communist Party, was convicted of conspiring to commit sedition and colluding with foreign forces. His journey began as a migrant from China. He founded the popular Giordano clothing chain and later the Apple Daily newspaper. Lai's activism led him to participate in pro-democracy protests, including the 2014 Umbrella Movement. Since December 2020 he has been in custody, maintaining his stance on freedom and democracy.
