The Chinese Communist Party's stranglehold on Hong Kong reached a new low Monday as their kangaroo courts sentenced pro-democracy hero Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison for the "crime" of supporting freedom.
Lai, a 76-year-old British citizen and media mogul who founded the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, was railroaded under China's draconian "national security law" - a tool Beijing uses to crush anyone who dares speak truth to power. His real offense? Refusing to bow down to Xi Jinping's authoritarian regime.
The charges against Lai read like something straight out of George Orwell's playbook: "colluding with foreign forces," "endangering national security," and "conspiring to publish seditious materials." Translation: he stood up for democracy and basic human rights.
When Supporting Freedom Becomes a Crime
This travesty of justice shows exactly why President Trump's America First policies are so crucial. While the Biden administration sat on their hands for four years, watching China steamroll Hong Kong's freedoms, Trump's team understands that Communist China is our greatest adversary.
Lai pleaded not guilty to all charges - because he IS innocent. His only "crime" was running a newspaper that told the truth about Beijing's oppression and supported the brave Hong Kong protesters fighting for their rights.
"This is what happens when freedom-loving people challenge communist tyranny. Jimmy Lai is a political prisoner, plain and simple."
The timing of this sentence is no coincidence. China is testing the new Trump administration, seeing how far they can push their authoritarian agenda while the world watches. They're betting that global leaders will offer empty statements while doing nothing.
America Must Lead the Free World
This is exactly why we need leaders like Trump who aren't afraid to stand up to Beijing's bullies. The Chinese Communist Party only understands strength, and for too long, weak Western leaders have emboldened their aggression.
Jimmy Lai's courage should inspire every American who values freedom. Will we stand with heroes like him, or will we let communist China continue crushing liberty wherever they find it?