Hong Kong billionaire's last interview as a free man - BBC News

Jimmy Lai is the billionaire owner of Hong Kong’s last opposition newspaper, Apple Daily, and an outspoken critic of Beijing.

On Friday he was sentenced to 14 months in prison for unauthorised assembly - for participating in two protests in 2019.

Mr Lai is one of the most high profile people to be arrested under Hong Kong's new national security law, as China tightens its grip on the city.

the BBC’s Danny Vincent interviewed the man prepared to risk it all by speaking out.

#BBCNews

[hereleego]

You need to admire a man that could just walk away with all his money and chill but his heart won't let him

[naksis]

"This is just living my life peacefully, but if i'm in jail i'm living my life meaningfully."

*What a quote*

[mr.goldfarmer]

"When you tear out a man's tongue,  you are not proving him a liar,  you're only telling the world that you fear what he might say."

[杰伊尔]

Seeing a man breaks into tears fearing for his family isn't a fun experience to watch. It's just heartbreaking.

[abhinavkashyap]

"This is just living my life peacefully.. but if I am in jail I am living my life meaningfully"

[sivakumarsubramaniam]

1st time I see a billionaire cry... it’s not about the money, fame or influence. End of the day it is about the safety of the loved one is counts most!

[sellyshootsandscores]

I always wonder whether I would sacrifice it all to protect my freedom. He made it seem so effortless and yet I tremble when contemplating the possibility that I could one day be in his shoes. You are a true hero Mr. Lai

[Spork]

You know you’re doing something messed up when common citizens are standing up for a billionaire against your government

[charliemcglinchey]

The selflessness of this man is inconceivable. My thoughts are with him and his family!

[Illbegoodinthefuture]

He has money but he also has morals. What an icon!! <3

[reconforsales]

It's better to live a day like a lion, than live a lifetime like a mouse!

[wizely]

If all billionaires are like him the world would be a better place

[chickentit]

If even billionaires are being arrested and sentenced to a year and 2 months, imagine the middle-lower classes.

[emtanaka]

I hated how they shouted at the interviewer like that. Well done to Jimmy Lai. He knows what is worth suffering for in life. I pray for his and his family's safety and all of his staff that work for him💛

[John-mfky]

Never thought I'd feel bad for a billionaire.

[smilexd]

The reason for the protest was against the extradition Bill, and China is literally using the bill to do such arrests. This is what the protest is against, this further justifies the protest. So for those who are ignorant and believe that protesting is a form of disruption to peace, please get educated

[playlistpop]

Apple daily officially shut down operation today and I think it’s one of the rare occasions where a news agency has to close down because too many people are reading it . It breaks the heart of a lot of hk people including myself.
I feel so sorry as hk people are unable to protect him and a few key staff from Apple daily who are also currently in jail.
Thank you so much for ur sacrifice to show the world what’s really going on here in hk and I hope history will do you justice one day

[WhatIsHasValue]

“Fear is the cheapest way to control you”... are you paying attention?

[violasumire]

Fear is the most powerful weapon that can be used on the masses and in a time of fear the fearless are the only hope.

[aleksseb]

Criminal walk the street freely,
and a hard-working self-earned billionaire sits in prison for free speech. It’s very saddening.