Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty to national security crimes
The Hindu
The charges against Lai - founder of the now-shuttered popular Chinese-language tabloid Apple Daily - revolve around the newspaper’s publications, which supported pro-democracy protests and criticised Beijing’s leadership.
Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to “sedition” and “collusion” charges in a high-profile national security trial that could see him jailed for life.
The charges against Lai - founder of the now-shuttered popular Chinese-language tabloid Apple Daily - revolve around the newspaper’s publications, which supported pro-democracy protests and criticised Beijing’s leadership.
The 76-year-old is accused of two counts of colluding with foreign forces by calling for international sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials.
“Not guilty,” Lai said in English for each of the three charges read out.
Wearing a white shirt and a navy blue jacket, the septuagenarian was surrounded by three prison guards in the defendant’s dock.
His wife and some of his children sat in the courtroom gallery, which was packed with reporters and members of the public.
Lai’s trial, which began in late 2023 after he was jailed for more than 1,100 days, is being closely watched as a barometer of Hong Kong’s political freedoms and judicial independence.
Discover how Bangladeshi students transformed political dynamics, leading a movement that resulted in the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.
Victims and lawmakers criticize the Justice Department for heavily redacting Epstein files, raising concerns of a potential cover-up.
India extends humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka's northern region, supporting Cyclone Ditwah recovery through food distribution and infrastructure restoration.
A ten-year-old girl and Holocaust survivors were among 15 victims killed in a tragic Bondi Beach terror attack.
Gunmen kill 10 and injure 10 in a shooting in Bekkersdal, South Africa; motive remains unknown, police report.
Maharashtra police rescue seven victims from cyber slavery in Myanmar, uncovering a network of job scams and international fraud.
Over 500,000 Cambodians displaced amid deadly border clashes with Thailand, resulting in significant casualties and international calls for ceasefire.
Kremlin states Putin is open to talks with Macron, emphasizing the importance of mutual political will for positive dialogue.
Australian PM orders review of police and intelligence services following the antisemitic Bondi Beach terrorist attack to enhance safety.
U.S. intelligence reveals Putin's unchanged ambitions in Ukraine, contradicting claims of seeking peace amid ongoing territorial disputes.
U.S. forces intercept another oil tanker off Venezuela as Trump intensifies pressure on Maduro amid escalating tensions.
Mats Malm resigns as head of the Swedish Academy; Ingrid Carlberg will succeed him as permanent secretary in June 2026.
At least 16 DOJ files related to Jeffrey Epstein, including a Trump photograph, vanished within a day of posting.