Hong Kong Tycoon Jimmy Lai Arrested Again While In Jail: Report
Jimmy Lai seems to be on as he leaves the Court of Final Appeal by jail van, in Hong Kong(FILE)
Hong Kong:
Jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested once more, on suspicion of helping certainly one of 12 fugitives China captured at sea final 12 months, his Apple Daily tabloid and Oriental Daily mentioned on Wednesday, with out citing a supply.
Lai, detained whereas awaiting a bail listening to on Thursday, has been charged with colluding with international forces below a sweeping nationwide safety legislation that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong final 12 months.
The fugitives might face potential prices in Hong Kong over mass anti-government protests in 2019, with Andy Li, whom the papers recognized because the particular person Lai was suspected of serving to, being investigated for suspected nationwide safety crimes.
Neither newspaper gave additional particulars. It was unclear if the nationwide safety laws extends to the help Lai is suspected to have given Li.
Police didn’t instantly reply to a request to remark.
The Chinese coast guard captured the 12 fugitives in August as they tried to flee Hong Kong in a ship believed to be sure for Taiwan. All have been held just about incommunicado in a mainland China jail till a trial late in December.
Ten have been jailed for phrases starting from seven months to a few years for illegally crossing the border or organising the crossing, whereas two minors have been despatched again to Hong Kong.
Lai was already probably the most high-profile particular person to be charged below the brand new safety legislation, for statements made on July 30 and Aug. 18, wherein prosecutors say he requested international interference in Hong Kong’s affairs.
He was arrested in an August raid by about 200 cops on the newsroom of his Apple Daily, recognized for its feisty and important protection of China and Hong Kong.
Beijing imposed the brand new legislation on the previous British colony final June, after months of pro-democracy protests, to focus on something China that considers subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with international forces.
Punishment below the legislation can vary as much as life in jail.
Critics say it’s geared toward crushing dissent and erodes freedoms within the semi-autonomous monetary hub. Supporters say it restores stability after months of unrest.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
