Jimmy Lai appears to be like on as he leaves the Court docket of Ultimate Attraction 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 considered one of 12 fugitives China captured at sea final 12 months, his Apple Each day tabloid and Oriental Each day stated on Wednesday, with out citing a supply.
Lai, detained whereas awaiting a bail listening to on Thursday, has been charged with colluding with overseas forces underneath a sweeping nationwide safety legislation that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong final 12 months.
The fugitives might face potential costs 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 language coast guard captured the 12 fugitives in August as they tried to flee Hong Kong in a ship believed to be certain for Taiwan. All have been held nearly incommunicado in a mainland China jail till a trial late in December.
Ten have been jailed for phrases starting from seven months to 3 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 underneath the brand new safety legislation, for statements made on July 30 and Aug. 18, by which prosecutors say he requested overseas interference in Hong Kong’s affairs.
He was arrested in an August raid by about 200 law enforcement officials on the newsroom of his Apple Each day, identified for its feisty and significant 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 overseas forces.
Punishment underneath 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.
(comply with UK Time News on Social Platforms.)