Texts between Chan and the activist turned prosecution witness also touched on which local political personality they felt should lead the opposition movement in the post-national security law era.
Court told Hong Kong man worked with people abroad for sanctions on city, China
Court told Hong Kong man worked with people abroad for sanctions on city, China
The names discussed included ex-opposition lawmaker Sixtus Baggio Leung Chung-hang, former British consulate trade officer Simon Cheng Man-kit, United States-based activist Brian Leung Kai-ping and ex-independence activist Andy Chan Ho-tin.
During the exchange, Li also highlighted the need for a prominent activist to establish a government-in-exile overseas to further their political agenda.
Li told West Kowloon Court on Tuesday that he and Chan had considered stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight.
“If [I] don’t come out, Hong Kong will still be ruled by a regime controlled by the Chinese Communist Party,” Li testified. “So [Hong Kong] has become a place with political persecution.”
Li told the court that the pair had also explored the pros and cons of leaving Hong Kong in the face of a possible crackdown, but Chan felt he had to persist.
“As a leader, I have to be the last one standing,” the paralegal wrote in a message. “If I left, who will take the helm?”
Activist lobbied foreign politicians to sever Hong Kong treaties, Lai trial told
Activist lobbied foreign politicians to sever Hong Kong treaties, Lai trial told
The document appeared to be prepared by the United Kingdom-based Whitehouse Consultancy, which prosecutors argued was engaged by SWHK to facilitate its lobbying efforts in the country.
But Li said he was unaware of how the consultancy firm collaborated with other UK-based Hong Kong activists.
Lai’s defence counsel is expected to start cross-examining the witness when the trial continues on Wednesday.
