Since his detention began on Thursday, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai has received a steady stream of letters from readers and members of the public, many praising his defiant stand against oppression.

“Please stand strong, and every day you remain in our thoughts,” wrote a reader named Philip.

Another wrote: “Thank you for your efforts in the search for justice. You have sacrificed your freedom, but real Hongkongers will always be with you in spirit.”

Lai has been remanded in custody at Lai Chi Kok Detention Centre, with his next court hearing scheduled for April 16. Apple Daily has received dozens of letters addressing Lai, including more than 30 emails and letters on Monday alone.

One anonymous reader said he was raised in a pro-Beijing family and had a dim view of Lai while growing up. But now he feels grateful to Lai after learning about his contributions to Hong Kong, and said he will pass on the lesson to his children.

In another letter, an immigrant from mainland China compared Lai’s sense of moral principle to activists in China before the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown.

“Human nature will be laid bare under intense pressure, but the truth will stand fast,” he wrote.

A reader surnamed Leung wrote: “It is so rare to find someone who is so persistent, and shows gratitude to the place he calls home.”

On Tuesday Lai will spend his 73rd birthday alone in detention, but many readers continued to keep him in their thoughts. In an email titled “Happy birthday to Mr. Lai,” reader Ellie said she was upset that Lai was unable to enjoy a peaceful retirement, and said she was moved to tears by Lai’s words in a media interview.

Angela, a loyal reader of Apple Daily for 25 years, wrote that the newspaper is an essential part of her morning. She praised reporters for their commitment to press freedom and to holding the powerful to account.

She admired Lai’s “determined pursuit of freedom and democracy” as well as his selfless contribution, she wrote.

Click here for Chinese version

---------------------------------

Apple Daily’s all-new English Edition is now available on the mobile app: bit.ly/2yMMfQE

To download the latest version,

iOS: bit.ly/AD_iOS

Android: bit.ly/AD_android

Or search Appledaily in App Store or Google Play