Hong Kong charges Jimmy Lai under national security law
Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai, has been charged under the city’s national security law on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces, the newspaper he runs, the “Apple Daily”, reported on Friday.
Lai, known for his support for the region’s pro-democracy movement and criticism of Beijing, was due to appear in court on Saturday, the Apple Daily said.
The move comes as authorities continue a crackdown on dissent under a new controversial security law imposed by Beijing. The law aims to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, with punishments of up to life in prison.
Earlier this month, Lai was denied bail following his arrest on a separate charge of fraud related to the lease of a building that houses Apple Daily.
The crackdown on opposition forces in the city has recently intensified, with authorities dismissing lawmakers from the legislature, conducting widespread arrests and jailing high-profile democracy activists such as Joshua Wong.
