In the national security trial of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, a pivotal prosecution witness, Andy Li, has implicated two British public relations firms in aiding UK-based Hong Kong activists in their campaigns and interactions with politicians following the 2019 protests and unrest.
Li testified on Friday that the UK agencies 89Up and Whitehouse Consultancy, specializing in media relations and political communications, had supported political campaigns led by Finn Lau, a prominent figure among the Hong Kong activists.
According to Li, Whitehouse Consultancy facilitated meetings between the activists and British lawmakers to raise awareness of Hong Kong’s human rights situation.
They also orchestrated a joint statement led by former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten in May 2020, denouncing an impending national security law imposed by Beijing in June.
Li detailed the involvement of Whitehouse Consultancy, stating they organized meetings with MPs and sent observers during Hong Kong’s district council elections in November 2019. Additionally, they collaborated on issuing the joint statement with Chris Patten, warning against the proposed security law.
The Sino-British Joint Declaration, signed in 1984, guarantees Hong Kong’s autonomy and lifestyle for 50 years after its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
Li has admitted guilt to conspiring with foreign forces in an international campaign for foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and its officials, which prosecutors allege was directed and funded by Lai.
Lai, aged 76, has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and conspiring to publish seditious materials. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment.
Li’s testimony also delved into financial transactions related to a crowdfunding campaign in July 2019, which supported Lau’s activist group in placing advertisements in major UK newspapers.
While Li managed the crowdfunding aspect, Jack Hazlewood, later known to Li as a writer for Lai’s Apple Daily, handled the funds due to platform requirements.
Approximately £300,000 was transferred to Li’s account from Hazlewood, with a portion used to pay for newspaper advertisements and the remainder supporting Lau’s group in the UK.
This testimony sheds light on the extensive network of support and activism surrounding the Hong Kong protests, implicating both British PR firms and individuals in facilitating international campaigns against China’s actions in Hong Kong.
