HONG KONG, Dec 15 — Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong media tycoon and outspoken Beijing critic, was convicted Monday on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of sedition under China’s national security law, facing a possible life sentence.
HONG KONG, Dec 15 — Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong media tycoon and outspoken Beijing critic, was convicted Monday on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of sedition under China’s national security law, facing a possible life sentence.
The verdict marks a key moment for Lai, 78, who supported Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and ran Apple Daily until its 2021 closure following police raids. Known for his bold criticism of Chinese leaders, Lai has spent over five years in custody, much of it in solitary confinement, taking a toll on his health.
Born in Guangzhou, Lai fled to Hong Kong in 1961, built the Giordano clothing chain, and later launched Apple Daily in 1995. His activism intensified after the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown and continued through the 2014 Umbrella Movement and 2019 protests.
During his trial, Lai called himself a “political prisoner,” drawing a rebuke from the judge. His family has supported him throughout, though his health has deteriorated. Daughter Claire said, “All they proved is that my father is a man who loves God, loves truth, loves freedom, and loves his family.” — Reuters
BANGKOK, April 24 — Thailand’s Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethics violations over their 2021 move to amend a law protecting the monarchy from criticism, according to Thai media reports.
PUTRAJAYA, April 24 — The Court of Appeal today dismissed Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura’s appeal against a High Court ruling ordering her to pay RM825,000 in damages and costs for defaming three DAP leaders by linking them to former Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng.
THE HAGUE, April 23 — Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial at the International Criminal Court after judges on Thursday confirmed charges of crimes against humanity over his controversial “war on drugs.”