'Jimmy Lai wanted Finn Lau to be a political star'

The trial of Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai on Friday heard he intended to groom a key figure linked to the 2019 unrest, Finn Lau, to become a "political star", but that Lau was cool to the idea. Testifying for another day as an accomplice witness, paralegal Chan Tsz-wah spoke about a meeting in Taiwan in January 2020 that he, Lai, Lau and others attended. The trial heard the Apple Daily founder wanted to cultivate Lau by offering him £10,000 in living expenses and helping to build a political network, with the aim of causing the collapse of the Chinese government and economy. Chan said Lai's anti-China policy also included economic blockades and sanctions. But the court was told that Lau "did not want to become a political star". Chan also said Lai wanted to support political newcomers in the pan-democratic primaries in the 2020 Legco elections. The former media tycoon has denied three conspiracy charges relating to collusion with foreign forces and sedition. The trial continues.

'Jimmy Lai wanted Finn Lau to be a political star'

'Jimmy Lai wanted Finn Lau to be a political star'

'Jimmy Lai wanted Finn Lau to be a political star'

'Jimmy Lai wanted Finn Lau to be a political star'

'Jimmy Lai wanted Finn Lau to be a political star'