Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong media mogul and free speech advocate who challenged China, goes on trial

Jimmy Lai, a media tycoon and champion of free speech and democracy, went on trial in Hong Kong Monday after a year-long delay in the proceedings. He's been charged with several crimes, including colluding with foreign forces, but supporters around the world say his real offense has been criticizing China's ruling Communist Party and its crackdown on freedom in Hong Kong.

Lai has been in prison for the past three years on charges filed under China's sweeping new national security law. If convicted on the charges, Lai could face life in prison.

Reporters clustered around the van transporting Lai as it arrived at the courthouse on Monday. His backers, along with foreign diplomats, were there, too, hoping to get a seat at the historic trial.