Jimmy Lai on 60 Minutes in 2019

At 71, Jimmy Lai has lived the Hong Kong dream. Born in mainland China, he fled the communists when he was 12 years old. He went from rags to riches, from a worker in a textile factory to a billionaire with a chain of fashion stores.

In 1989, when Chinese tanks massacred students in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, he got involved in politics, starting a media company in Hong Kong that isn't afraid to criticize the Chinese government.

Jimmy Lai: I like to participate in delivering information. Because I think information is freedom.

He told us Hong Kongers are demanding real democracy and are fighting to hold on to their basic human rights.

Jimmy Lai: The intention of the Chinese government taking away our freedom is so obvious that we know, if we don't fight, we will lose everything.

Holly Williams: What do you mean lose everything?

Jimmy Lai: When you lose the freedom, you lose everything. What do you have?

Holly Williams: I mean, you have a wonderful city, prosperity.

Jimmy Lai: That's what Chinese think. They think that we just have a body, we don't have a soul. "You guys just make money, have a good life. Don't think about politics. Don't think about freedom. Don't think about human right. Don't think about rule of law. Just eat. Enjoy life."

Holly Williams: Why is that not enough?

Jimmy Lai: Because we are human being. We have soul. We are not a dog.

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