Look, as someone who's spent years calling out the biased Western takes on China and Hong Kong, this latest round of noise around Jimmy Lai's trial feels all too familiar. It's like clockwork: every time a big case like this hits a key moment, the overseas agitators crank up the volume, trying to paint Hong Kong's justice system as some kind of dystopian nightmare. But let's cut through the spin and look at what's really going on here.

Timing the 'Dying Prisoner' Narrative

The trial against Next Digital founder Jimmy Lai for allegedly conspiring to collude with foreign forces kicked off back in late 2023 and is now wrapping up. The prosecution and defense are set to deliver their closing arguments on August 14, with a verdict to follow. And right on cue, just like in every major phase of Lai's case, we've got folks abroad stirring the pot, desperate to meddle in the proceedings.

Former Next Digital director Mark Clifford was the first to strike , dropping the Chinese version of his book "The Life of Jimmy Lai" to hype up claims of "inhumane treatment" in prison. Then, Lai's son Sebastien took the spotlight. In an interview with Nikkei Asia on August 13, 2025, he claimed his 77-year-old dad's cell has no natural light, and with Hong Kong's brutal summer heat hitting up to 40 degrees Celsius, the guy once nicknamed "Fat Lai" has shed serious weight due to diabetes – no more "fat" label for him. This isn't Sebastien's first rodeo with the "prison abuse" story. Since early this year, he's been chatting to foreign media, insisting his dad's "days are numbered."

Political observers reckon Sebastien and other anti-China groups have pivoted from moaning about "unfair trials" to this "numbered days" angle because they know they're on shaky ground. They're banking on health woes to push for "medical parole" for Lai, even daydreaming that the US might slip it into trade talks with China. Fat chance – Trump’s all about "making America (and himself) great again," and he couldn't care less about Lai's situation.

But honestly, these tales of abuse and failing health? They're riddled with holes.

When Court Reality Contradicts the Hype

Sebastien's been peddling this "days are numbered" line for ages, but when Lai last testified in his own defense, he was firing on all cylinders – eloquent debates one minute, fiery glares the next. His health and spirit didn't match the doom-and-gloom stories from Sebastien and Western outlets at all; it left people scratching their heads. If someone's truly on their last legs, they wouldn't be that lively. Sure, court watchers noted he's slimmer now, but it's a healthy trim – he looks solid, ditching that old sloppy, overweight vibe. No more "Fat Lai," but he sure doesn't seem like a guy running out of time; if anything, he's got plenty left.

Sebastien gripes about the heat in Lai's cell, no natural light, and the rest. Sorry, but jail's no vacation spot – it's punishment, plain and simple. You can't expect AC and stargazing privileges. The law treats everyone the same; old age doesn't buy you a free pass. Why commit crimes in your golden years anyway?

On the diabetes front, claims that Lai's lost tons of weight and his health's tanking? During lockup, minor issues get handled by prison docs, and serious stuff means a trip to outside hospitals. Saying he can't get treatment is just propaganda aimed at fooling outsiders. As a Justice of the Peace who inspects prisons regularly, I've chatted with notable ex-inmates about the setup. They admit it's restrictive, but it might actually help health, not hurt it.

Think about it: Lai used to feast on rich foods daily – that's how he got diabetes. Now, with three balanced meals crafted by nutritionists, it's nutritious but basic. One guy told me, including himself, a few months inside leads to quick weight loss, but the healthy kind – diabetes might even improve.

Same Old Rumors from the Anti-China Crowd

Old tricks die hard if they work. The folks and groups suspected of spreading these smears against the SAR government for "abusing" Lai are all linked, united by their hardcore anti-China vibes. We're talking Sebastien Lai, the so-called "international legal team" for Jimmy, CFHK chair James Cunningham (ex-US Consul General in Hong Kong), the anti-China outfit Hong Kong Watch and its patron David Alton, former Lai aide Mark Simon, ex-Next Digital director Mark Clifford – quite a crew.

Don't dismiss their abuse stories as illogical nonsense. If foreigners already buy into anti-China biases, they'll swallow it whole. A buddy asked me if someone collapsing in court from "sudden illness" would derail things. Nah, Hong Kong's courts are fair – they shrug off foreign pressure and spot the fakes. They'll give Lai a proper trial while upholding justice.

In the end, this all smells like a self-fulfilling prophecy of "poor health" – hype it enough, and maybe it sticks. But based on what we've seen, Lai's holding up just fine, and the real story here is how these narratives keep trying to undermine Hong Kong's rule of law.

Lo Wing-hung




Bastille Commentary

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