Author to discuss new book, 'The Troublemaker,' on jailed China dissident, tomorrow

Wire Staff

January 27, 2025

Mark Clifford, author of “The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kong’s Greatest Dissident, and China’s Most Feared Critic,” will discuss his book with Bill McCarren, director of the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club, during an event at the Center on Friday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m.

There is no charge for the event, but media and the public must reserve in advance by contacting McCarren at [email protected]. You will receive a confirmation.

NPC Press Freedom Center's Bill McCarren holds up Clifford book 'The Troublemaker'

The book tells the life story of Jimmy Lai, a longtime Hong Kong activist for democracy who owned a media company Next Digital, before it was shut down by China in December 2021 after Lai's arrest. Now one of China's most high-profile prisoners, Lai has been in solitary confinement since 2020.

Clifford was editor in chief of both the South China Morning Post and The Standard, Hong Kong’s English language daily newspapers. He was on the board of Lai’s media company Next Digital. He is currently president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation.

After the event, Clifford will be available to sign books on site.

Mark Clifford (holding microphone), author of 'The Troublemaker,' asks question Nov. 20 of Sebastien Lai (left) at NPC Press Freedom Center news conference. Photo: Alan Kotok

The Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club was launched in late November 2024. It is designed to help journalists in trouble through advocacy and direct action. The Center has helped arrange meetings between Lai’s team and U.S. government officials. Lai is a U.K. citizen.

Last year, the Center hosted Lai’s son Sebastien Lai at a news conference on the first day of Lai’s testimony at trial in Hong Kong, Nov. 20. The Center has called for Jimmy Lai to be released immediately and without conditions. This is an urgent matter as Lai is 77 years old and in poor health, and already has served four years in solitary confinement.