Sebastien Lai

Sebastien Lai, a democracy activist and son of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, recounts his father’s rise from refugee to Apple Daily founder. He discusses the 2019 protests, the National Security Law’s crackdown, his choice to campaign from abroad, and the personal toll of his father’s arrest and sentencing.

Tom Tugendhat, Conservative MP and former Foreign Affairs committee chair, offers perspective on UK-China ties and sanctions. Sebastien Lai, son of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, shares his father’s failing health, imprisonment under national security laws and the family’s fight for release. They discuss why Beijing targeted Apple Daily, criticism of UK leadership’s response, and hopes for international intervention.

CNN journalists Jeremy Diamond and Nada Bashir discuss the political storm within Israel and the call for elections amidst the country's war in Gaza. Sebastien Lai, son of embattled Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, shares the situation of his father and the concern for his well-being. Wall Street Journal Chief Foreign Affairs correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov talks about the early days of the war in Ukraine and Western support. Data scientist Hannah Ritchie highlights the work of Our World in Data and understanding global problems.

Sebastien Lai, son of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai and an activist in exile, recounts his father’s rise from refugee to Apple Daily founder. He discusses the paper’s defiant journalism. He describes the national security law, repeated arrests, the 20-year sentence and harsh prison conditions. He speaks about international reactions and his fight from the UK for his father’s release.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, a prominent human rights lawyer, and Sebastien Lai, the son of imprisoned Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, discuss the alarming state of media freedom. They delve into the use of 'lawfare' to intimidate journalists and the dire circumstances of Jimmy Lai's solitary confinement. The conversation touches on excessive sentences, the role of international support, and the responsibilities of the UK towards its citizens abroad. They highlight the ongoing threats faced by journalists globally and the pressing need for diplomatic action to secure their release.