Hong Kong Activist Jimmy Lai Begins Landmark National Security Trial

The trial, closely watched globally, tests press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong, with Lai facing a possible life sentence if convicted.

Prominent Hong Kong activist and media tycoon, Jimmy Lai, has begun his landmark national security trial, facing charges of 'colluding with foreign forces' and 'conspiracy to publish seditious material', with a possible life sentence if convicted.
The trial is the first in Hong Kong on charges of collusion with foreign forces and is tied to the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, which Lai founded.
Lai's trial is being closely watched globally as a test of press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong, with representatives from at least 10 western consulates including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia in attendance.
The trial, expected to last about 80 days, is being presided over by three handpicked national security High Court judges and is being held without a jury.
Western governments, including the U.S. and U.K., have called for Lai's immediate release, condemning the prosecution as an attack on press freedom and civil liberties in Hong Kong.