BY DAVIDMURRAYLAW@GMAIL.COM

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Article 38

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Jimmy Lai was born in the PRC. He later fled to Hong Kong, where he became a textile magnate who would go on to use his wealth to support the cause of free choice for the people of the enclave. To this end, he founded a publication entitled “Apple Daily”. He has become the first prominent victim of Article 38, a new law developed by Beijing that criminalizes activities promoting “subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers” – regardless of passport or residency – and as interpreted by the Chinese Communist regime. Here he is seen being arrested by members of the Hong Kong security apparatus.

 

 

Inspired by hate

 

of an alternative fate

 

that would secure free choice

 

and the right to raise one’s voice

 

in the face of tyranny.

 

 

According to the PRC

 

it can be

 

the universal arbitrator of what is right

 

by using its might

 

at home and abroad.

 

 

Hong Kong is a metaphor

 

actually, much more

 

for the state of democracy

 

and its capacity to defy autocracy

 

in the city state and beyond.

 

 

Democracy will come to the PRC

 

as sure as we can anticipate

 

the morning’s next rising

 

Hong Kong is now agonising

 

but it will prove to be the Chinese Communists’ coffin’s nail.