Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital, has been convicted of three charges including “conspiring with foreign forces” and “conspiring to publish seditious publications”. Along with eight other defendants, he pleaded for leniency on Monday. A total of 491 public gallery seats were distributed by the court and its seven extended courtrooms, with people queuing outside the West Kowloon Court since last Friday at noon. As of today, about 60 people are in line.
Retired teacher Ms. Liu, who has been queuing outside the court since last Friday, shared her determination to support Jimmy Lai by standing in line for three consecutive nights. She expressed the difficulties faced by students involved in activism, with some imprisoned or forced to leave Hong Kong, leading to broken families and scattered lives.
Ms. Liu believes that even though Jimmy Lai may not seek leniency, his actions are just. She mentioned the previous mass protests where 2 million people took to the streets, and although many are unable to attend now due to various reasons, they still support in spirit. She expressed concerns about the current situation, such as the strict security measures during the queuing period, which she finds restrictive and rights-infringing. Despite silently complying, she believes it is unjust.
She shared a darkly humorous anecdote from her experience, encountering two women on the bus who had been queuing outside the court the previous night and were heading to their “next job” early in the morning. One of them had bought 24 cans of milk powder to deliver to the mainland. Ms. Liu noted their professionalism in queuing and speculated on their involvement in smuggling activities.
Regarding the so-called “professional queuers,” Ms. Liu mentioned rumors of payment ranging from hundreds to a thousand dollars based on the time and weather conditions. They often refuse interviews, claiming ignorance or covering their faces. She estimated about 30 suspected professional queuers among the 60-plus people present. She emphasized the distinction between genuine supporters and the unexpected appearance of professional queuers. She observed a person counting the crowd multiple times in the early afternoon, totaling over 60 individuals.
Ms. Liu expressed pessimism about the plea and sentencing outcomes. Quoting Jimmy Lai on being free and showing compassion towards those monitoring him, she believes his conscience has prevailed, with many seeing him as innocent. Regardless of the verdict, she finds solace in Lai’s beliefs. She encouraged everyone not to lose hope and to live their lives in a way that honors the Hong Kong they once knew.
Another person in the queue, known as Lui Yuk-lin, also known as “Woman with Long Hair,” shared her perspective from amidst the crowd. She highlighted the need to queue several days in advance to secure a spot in court, criticizing the presence of professional queuers who might occupy spaces if one arrives on the same day. She stressed the importance of queuing early.
In her sixties, Lui Yuk-lin described the freezing temperatures last Friday evening, where she only had foil to keep warm, almost feeling like a popsicle. She jokingly mentioned framing the attendance pass as a memento if they were successful. She noted the heavy police presence during the queuing, likening it to immigration control, with stringent registration and check procedures even for restroom breaks.
Lui Yuk-lin hoped to see Jimmy Lai in person and expressed disappointment that missing this opportunity might mean slim chances in the future. She emphasized the importance of self-care regardless of the outcome. Considering Lai’s advanced age, she downplayed her own queuing struggles in comparison. She urged people not to forget the issue, regardless of courtroom access or the predetermined outcome.
She concluded with well wishes for Jimmy Lai’s family, encouraging them to stay healthy, especially his wife and children, and emphasized the importance of self-care during these challenging times.She concerns further queuing if it starts on the actual day, then more people would be in line. She also mentioned the disappointment her mother felt when only a few were allowed into the courtroom for previous hearings, urging early queuing to secure a place.
“Ah So” mentioned starting to queue around 8-9 AM last Friday, primarily accompanying her mother who has previously attended such hearings and holds a deep connection to the case. She recalls reading the Apple Daily since childhood and feeling a loss after its closure, relying on online news sources and finding a shrinking space for press freedom. She expressed admiration for those steadfast in attending and recognized the hardships faced by former Apple Daily staff.
Describing the tense atmosphere in the queue due to suspicions of queue payment collectors, she noted the segregations within the queue and the dedication of ordinary citizens participating. She considered herself more of a “back-up support,” assisting with food supplies, unable to remain throughout like others.
Despite the cold weather, she and her mother were prepared with camping gear for warmth and rest, managing decent sleep and support from friends during the long queuing hours. She highlighted changes in queuing arrangements, repetitive registration requirements causing confusion, and a rare sense of camaraderie among those waiting.
She emphasized the importance of queuers’ health and their chance of attending the court session. Regardless of the verdict, she wished everyone strength and self-care.