Former Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Convicted In Landmark Trial
HuffPost
The trial, conducted without a jury, has been closely monitored by the U.S. as a barometer of media freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong.
HONG KONG (AP) — Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, was convicted in a landmark national security trial in the city’s court on Monday, which could send him to prison for the rest of his life.
Three government-vetted judges found Lai, 78, guilty of conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiracy to publish seditious articles. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Lai was arrested in August 2020 under a Beijing-imposed national security law that was implemented following massive anti-government protests in 2019. Lai has spent five years in custody, much of it in solitary confinement, and appears to have grown more frail and thinner. He has also been convicted of several lesser offenses related to fraud allegations and his actions in 2019.
Lai’s trial, conducted without a jury, has been closely monitored by the U.S., Britain, the European Union and political observers as a barometer of media freedom and judicial independence in the former British colony, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Court Said Lai Spent Years Plotting Against Beijing
The Israeli prime minister said the deal's next stage is expected to begin after Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza.
The victims included three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
The European Commission said it was punishing X because of three different breaches of the Digital Services Act.
Trump announced his intention to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández two days before Honduras held national elections, shocking the country.
As the U.S. and Israel pressure the International Criminal Court for its work on Gaza, dozens of global governments sent a signal of support for accountability this week.
The Russian president has accused Kyiv’s European allies of sabotaging the U.S.-led efforts to end the war.
The 10 platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, would face fines if they fail to take reasonable steps to enforce the law.
The masterpiece had virtually disappeared in the early 1600s.
Sunday's vote took place in a highly polarized climate, with the three top candidates hurling accusations of possible fraud.