United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Thursday accused China of using security legislation to "target dissenting voices" in Hong Kong. Earlier on Thursday, about 500 police officers swooped-in on Hong Kong's pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily's office. The police officers made arrests and went through computers and seized journalistic material.

"Today's raids &amp; arrests at Apple Daily in Hong Kong demonstrate Beijing is using the National Security Law to target dissenting voices, not tackle public security," Raab wrote on Twitter.

"Freedom of the press is one of the rights China promised to protect in the Joint Declaration &amp; should be respected," Raab said.

It is the first time the content of media reporting has sparked arrests under the city's new national security law. Jimmy Lai, the media tycoon who runs Apple Daily is already in jail

In a message to readers, Apple Daily warned that Hong Kong's press freedoms were "hanging by a thread" but the paper vowed to "stand tall".&nbsp;

Its union described the operation as a "wanton violation of press freedom" that "displayed how much police power has inflated under the national security law".

Police said the five executives were arrested for collusion with a foreign country or external elements "to endanger national security".

"They have overall responsibility for the content, style and principles of news reporting," senior superintendent Steve Li told reporters.&nbsp;

Authorities also seized HK$18 million (US$2.3 million) in Apple Daily assets, the first time a national security law seizure order has been made directly against a Hong Kong media company, rather than an individual.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Thursday accused China of using security legislation to "target dissenting voices" in Hong Kong. Earlier on Thursday, about 500 police officers swooped-in on Hong Kong's pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily's office.

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Thursday accused China of using security legislation to "target dissenting voices" in Hong Kong. Earlier on Thursday, about 500 police officers swooped-in on Hong Kong's pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily's office. The police officers made arrests and went through computers and seized journalistic material. "Today's raids & arrests at Apple Daily in Hong Kong demonstrate Beijing is using the National Security Law to target dissenting voices, not tackle public security," Raab wrote on Twitter. "Freedom of the press is one of the rights China promised to protect in the Joint Declaration & should be respected," Raab said. It is the first time the content of media reporting has sparked arrests under the city's new national security law. Jimmy Lai, the media tycoon who runs Apple Daily is already in jail In a message to readers, Apple Daily warned that Hong Kong's press freedoms were "hanging by a thread" but the paper vowed to "stand tall". Its union described the operation as a "wanton violation of press freedom" that "displayed how much police power has inflated under the national security law". Police said the five executives were arrested for collusion with a foreign country or external elements "to endanger national security". "They have overall responsibility for the content, style and principles of news reporting," senior superintendent Steve Li told reporters. Authorities also seized HK$18 million (US$2.3 million) in Apple Daily assets, the first time a national security law seizure order has been made directly against a Hong Kong media company, rather than an individual. (With inputs from agencies)

China 'targetting dissenting voices' in Hong Kong, says UK

Hong Kong police raided the office of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, known for its critical coverage of China and Hong Kong, on Thursday morning.

Five people have been arrested, including Ryan Law, the editor-in-chief in the raid that involved dozens of policemen.&nbsp;

The arrests are the latest in a series of police raids on the popular tabloid and its imprisoned owner, democracy activist and tycoon Jimmy Lai.

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BREAKING: Hong Kong police raided the HQ of local pro-democracy newspaper <a href="https://twitter.com/appledaily_hk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@appledaily_hk</a> again on Thurs morn &amp; arrested five senior executives under the security law. Among those arrested was Editor-in-Chief Ryan Law &amp; Next Digital CEO Cheung Kim-hung. <a href="https://t.co/ECOk3rfSKp">https://t.co/ECOk3rfSKp</a> <a href="https://t.co/uWdxaZMQbc">pic.twitter.com/uWdxaZMQbc</a>
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The newspaper has long been a thorn in China's side, openly supporting the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. 
 
The newspaper broadcast live footage of the police raid on its Facebook account. Officers could be seen cordoning off the complex and walking through the building. 
 
"They arrived around 7 am this morning, our building is besieged," an unnamed reporter said in a live commentary with the broadcast. "Now we can see those moving boxes of materials onto their truck."

"Police are restricting us from using quite a lot of our equipment. But we can still keep this live camera on and our website will keep updating," the voice added.

The National Security Department of Hong Kong arrested five directors of the media organisation on suspicion of cooperation with a foreign country, according to a statement released by the Hong Kong government on Thursday.

Four men and a woman, ages 47 to 63, were arrested, according to the statement. There were no more details offered.&nbsp;

Jimmy Lai, the publisher of Apple Daily, was jailed under the same law last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong police raided the office of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, known for its critical coverage of China and Hong Kong, on Thursday morning. Five people have been arrested, including Ryan Law, the editor-in-chief in the raid that involved dozens of policemen.

Hong Kong police raided the office of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, known for its critical coverage of China and Hong Kong, on Thursday morning. Five people have been arrested, including Ryan Law, the editor-in-chief in the raid that involved dozens of policemen. The arrests are the latest in a series of police raids on the popular tabloid and its imprisoned owner, democracy activist and tycoon Jimmy Lai. BREAKING: Hong Kong police raided the HQ of local pro-democracy newspaper @appledaily_hk again on Thurs morn & arrested five senior executives under the security law. Among those arrested was Editor-in-Chief Ryan Law & Next Digital CEO Cheung Kim-hung. https://t.co/ECOk3rfSKp pic.twitter.com/uWdxaZMQbc — Tom Grundy (@tomgrundy) June 17, 2021 × The newspaper has long been a thorn in China's side, openly supporting the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. The newspaper broadcast live footage of the police raid on its Facebook account. Officers could be seen cordoning off the complex and walking through the building. "They arrived around 7 am this morning, our building is besieged," an unnamed reporter said in a live commentary with the broadcast. "Now we can see those moving boxes of materials onto their truck." "Police are restricting us from using quite a lot of our equipment. But we can still keep this live camera on and our website will keep updating," the voice added. The National Security Department of Hong Kong arrested five directors of the media organisation on suspicion of cooperation with a foreign country, according to a statement released by the Hong Kong government on Thursday. Four men and a woman, ages 47 to 63, were arrested, according to the statement. There were no more details offered. Jimmy Lai, the publisher of Apple Daily, was jailed under the same law last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong police raid pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, arrest editor and four other executives

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;media tycoon Jimmy Lai will serve 12 months in prison for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub.

Organisers say 1.7 million people, almost one-quarter of Hong Kong's population,&nbsp;turned out for a huge rally that formed the backbone of demonstrations that wracked the city throughout 2019.

Lai was among nine of Hong Kong's most prominent democracy campaigners found guilty of organising and participating in the rally.

Many of them have spent decades advocating non-violence in their ultimately fruitless campaign for universal suffrage.

Lai, 73, was on Friday sentenced to 12 months in prison while four of the other campaigners were jailed for between eight and 18 months.&nbsp;

Among the other defendants was Martin Lee, 82, a respected barrister known as the "father of democracy" in Hong Kong, who was once chosen by Beijing to help write the city's mini-constitution.

They also included Margaret Ng, a 73-year-old barrister, and former opposition lawmaker.

Lee and Ng were given prison terms, but their sentences were suspended.&nbsp;

The rallies in 2019 often descended into clashes between riot police and a knot of hardcore participants and posed the most concerted challenge to China's rule since the former British colony's 1997 handover.

But China and the city government successfully silenced the democracy movement with a sweeping crackdown featuring a national security law that criminalises dissent.

They have also pressed a radical overhaul of the city's electoral system to ensure only "patriots" are members of the legislature.

Amnesty International Asia-Pacific regional director Yamini Mishra said Friday's sentencings highlighted the government's determination to eliminate all opposition.

"Having arrested the majority of Hong Kong’s most prominent dissidents using the repressive national security law, the authorities are now mopping up remaining peaceful critics under the pretext of bogus charges related to the 2019 protests," Mishra said.

Before delivering the sentences, judge Amanda Woodcock said the rally was "premeditated" to "circumvent" a police ban.&nbsp;

She also said the fact the rally was peaceful was no defence.

"The Basic Law guarantees freedom of assembly and procession however these rights are not absolute and are subject to restrictions," Woodcock said.

Supporters of the defendants rose and waved to the nine in court as they were taken away after the sentencing.

"Support you until the last," the supporters chanted.

In comments to the court before the sentencing, Ng maintained a defiant tone.

"There is no right so precious to the people of Hong Kong as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly," said Ng, who discharged her legal team and gave her statement in person.&nbsp;

She added that she was prepared to stand with and stand up for the people who "in the last resort, had to give collective expression of their anguish and urge the government to respond".

"I stand the law's good servant but the people's first," said Ng, whose submission ended with a round of loud applause in the courtroom.&nbsp;

"I'm ready for the sentencing and I'm proud that I can walk with the people of HK in this road for democracy," former lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan said outside court ahead of the hearing.

"We'll walk together through the storm even in darkness."

Lee was sentenced to 12 months in jail.

Lee and Jimmy Lai had pleaded guilty to taking part in another illegal assembly on August 31, 2019.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai will serve 12 months in prison for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai will serve 12 months in prison for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub. Organisers say 1.7 million people, almost one-quarter of Hong Kong's population, turned out for a huge rally that formed the backbone of demonstrations that wracked the city throughout 2019. Lai was among nine of Hong Kong's most prominent democracy campaigners found guilty of organising and participating in the rally. Many of them have spent decades advocating non-violence in their ultimately fruitless campaign for universal suffrage. Lai, 73, was on Friday sentenced to 12 months in prison while four of the other campaigners were jailed for between eight and 18 months. Among the other defendants was Martin Lee, 82, a respected barrister known as the "father of democracy" in Hong Kong, who was once chosen by Beijing to help write the city's mini-constitution. They also included Margaret Ng, a 73-year-old barrister, and former opposition lawmaker. Lee and Ng were given prison terms, but their sentences were suspended. The rallies in 2019 often descended into clashes between riot police and a knot of hardcore participants and posed the most concerted challenge to China's rule since the former British colony's 1997 handover. But China and the city government successfully silenced the democracy movement with a sweeping crackdown featuring a national security law that criminalises dissent. They have also pressed a radical overhaul of the city's electoral system to ensure only "patriots" are members of the legislature. Amnesty International Asia-Pacific regional director Yamini Mishra said Friday's sentencings highlighted the government's determination to eliminate all opposition. "Having arrested the majority of Hong Kong’s most prominent dissidents using the repressive national security law, the authorities are now mopping up remaining peaceful critics under the pretext of bogus charges related to the 2019 protests," Mishra said. Before delivering the sentences, judge Amanda Woodcock said the rally was "premeditated" to "circumvent" a police ban. She also said the fact the rally was peaceful was no defence. "The Basic Law guarantees freedom of assembly and procession however these rights are not absolute and are subject to restrictions," Woodcock said. Supporters of the defendants rose and waved to the nine in court as they were taken away after the sentencing. "Support you until the last," the supporters chanted. In comments to the court before the sentencing, Ng maintained a defiant tone. "There is no right so precious to the people of Hong Kong as the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly," said Ng, who discharged her legal team and gave her statement in person. She added that she was prepared to stand with and stand up for the people who "in the last resort, had to give collective expression of their anguish and urge the government to respond". "I stand the law's good servant but the people's first," said Ng, whose submission ended with a round of loud applause in the courtroom. "I'm ready for the sentencing and I'm proud that I can walk with the people of HK in this road for democracy," former lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan said outside court ahead of the hearing. "We'll walk together through the storm even in darkness." Lee was sentenced to 12 months in jail. Lee and Jimmy Lai had pleaded guilty to taking part in another illegal assembly on August 31, 2019. (With input from agencies)

Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai the most high-profile person charged under a new national security law was denied bail due to the risk of his committing further offences.

Hong Kong High Court Judge&nbsp;Anthea Pang rejected Lai's latest application last week but only made public the reasons for her decision on Tuesday.

The case is being closely watched as it shows how&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's independent judiciary resolves any conflicts between the security law drafted in Beijing, where courts come under the Communist Party&nbsp;and the city's common law traditions.

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Apple Daily, which is owned by&nbsp;Lai, reported that the 73-year-old was arrested inside Stanley Prison on Tuesday.

Lai&nbsp;is already in custody, having been charged in December under a national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year.&nbsp;

The new law puts the onus on the defendant to prove they would not be a national security threat if released on bail. Under&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's common law-based legal system, the onus has traditionally been on the prosecution to prove its case.

Beijing imposed the national security law on the former British colony last June after months of pro-democracy protests. The law punishes anything China considers subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

Critics say it is aimed at crushing dissent and it erodes freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub. Its supporters say it restores stability after months of unrest.

Prosecutors have accused Lai of breaching the law over statements he made on July 30 and Aug. 18, in which they allege he requested foreign interference in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's affairs.

Lai has been a frequent visitor to Washington, meeting with officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to rally support for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;democracy, prompting Beijing to label him a "traitor".

He is also among a group of nine leading dissidents currently on trial for organising one of the huge pro-democracy rallies that swept Hong Kong in 2019.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai the most high-profile person charged under a new national security law was denied bail due to the risk of his committing further offences.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai the most high-profile person charged under a new national security law was denied bail due to the risk of his committing further offences. Hong Kong High Court Judge Anthea Pang rejected Lai's latest application last week but only made public the reasons for her decision on Tuesday. The case is being closely watched as it shows how Hong Kong's independent judiciary resolves any conflicts between the security law drafted in Beijing, where courts come under the Communist Party and the city's common law traditions. Apple Daily, which is owned by Lai, reported that the 73-year-old was arrested inside Stanley Prison on Tuesday. Lai is already in custody, having been charged in December under a national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year. The new law puts the onus on the defendant to prove they would not be a national security threat if released on bail. Under Hong Kong's common law-based legal system, the onus has traditionally been on the prosecution to prove its case. Beijing imposed the national security law on the former British colony last June after months of pro-democracy protests. The law punishes anything China considers subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Critics say it is aimed at crushing dissent and it erodes freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub. Its supporters say it restores stability after months of unrest. Prosecutors have accused Lai of breaching the law over statements he made on July 30 and Aug. 18, in which they allege he requested foreign interference in Hong Kong's affairs. Lai has been a frequent visitor to Washington, meeting with officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to rally support for Hong Kong democracy, prompting Beijing to label him a "traitor". He is also among a group of nine leading dissidents currently on trial for organising one of the huge pro-democracy rallies that swept Hong Kong in 2019.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai denied bail due to risk of 'committing further offences'

Hong Kong's top court on Tuesday ordered pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to stay behind bars as it backed an appeal by prosecutors against granting him bail, in a landmark legal test of Beijing's national security law.

"The appellant's appeal must accordingly be allowed and the judge's decision to grant the respondent bail must be set aside," a panel of judges wrote in their ruling.&nbsp;

"In the meantime, the respondent is remanded in custody," the ruling added.

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Lai, 73, who owns the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, is one of more than 100 democracy supporters arrested under the new law since it was enacted in June, and the highest-profile figure to be incarcerated on pretrial charges.

Lai had been in custody since December&nbsp;3, except for when he was released on bail for about a week late last year.

He was granted a HK$10 million ($1.3 million) bail by a lower court on December&nbsp;23 only for the Court of Final Appeal to bring him back into custody on December&nbsp;31 for another hearing.

Jimmy Lai has been accused by the authorities of colluding with foreign countries by calling on overseas governments to sanction Hong Kong and China in response to an ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy activism in the city.

More than 1,000 of his tweets and a number of media interviews he gave have been examined by the prosecution.

The security law is the most dramatic shift in Hong Kong's relationship with China since it was handed back by Britain in 1997.&nbsp;

It criminalised a host of political views and toppled the legal firewall between the two territories.

Written in Beijing and imposed by fiat, it allows mainland security agents to operate openly in the city for the first time, and even grants China jurisdiction in some cases.

Hong Kong's top court on Tuesday ordered pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to stay behind bars as it backed an appeal by prosecutors against granting him bail, in a landmark legal test of Beijing's national security law.

Hong Kong's top court on Tuesday ordered pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to stay behind bars as it backed an appeal by prosecutors against granting him bail, in a landmark legal test of Beijing's national security law. "The appellant's appeal must accordingly be allowed and the judge's decision to grant the respondent bail must be set aside," a panel of judges wrote in their ruling. "In the meantime, the respondent is remanded in custody," the ruling added. Lai, 73, who owns the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, is one of more than 100 democracy supporters arrested under the new law since it was enacted in June, and the highest-profile figure to be incarcerated on pretrial charges. Lai had been in custody since December 3, except for when he was released on bail for about a week late last year. He was granted a HK$10 million ($1.3 million) bail by a lower court on December 23 only for the Court of Final Appeal to bring him back into custody on December 31 for another hearing. Jimmy Lai has been accused by the authorities of colluding with foreign countries by calling on overseas governments to sanction Hong Kong and China in response to an ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy activism in the city. More than 1,000 of his tweets and a number of media interviews he gave have been examined by the prosecution. The security law is the most dramatic shift in Hong Kong's relationship with China since it was handed back by Britain in 1997. It criminalised a host of political views and toppled the legal firewall between the two territories. Written in Beijing and imposed by fiat, it allows mainland security agents to operate openly in the city for the first time, and even grants China jurisdiction in some cases.

Hong Kong's top court denies bail to tycoon Jimmy Lai in national security case

Detained Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was in court Monday trying to win bail in the first major legal challenge to a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year.

The landmark case puts the city's independent judiciary on a potentially precarious collision course with China's authoritarian leadership as Beijing seeks to snuff out dissent in the restless financial hub.

Lai, 73, who owns the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, is one of more than 100 democracy supporters arrested under the new law since it was enacted in June, and he is the highest profile figure to be incarcerated on pretrial charges.

He has been charged with "colluding with foreign forces" -- one of the new security crimes -- for allegedly calling for sanctions on Hong Kong and China in response to an ongoing crackdown on dissidents.

The security law is the most dramatic shift in Hong Kong's relationship with China since it was handed back by Britain in 1997. It criminalises a host of political views and toppled the legal firewall between the two territories.

Written in Beijing and imposed by fiat, it allows mainland security agents to operate openly in the city for the first time and grants China jurisdiction in some cases.

Another precedent-setting element of the law is no presumption of bail -- a hallmark of Hong Kong's independent common law legal system.

That is what Lai and his lawyers were seeking to challenge on Monday.

Lai was detained in December and initially granted bail after agreeing to a stringent list of requirements, including house arrest and no interviews or social media.

But he was put back behind bars days later by the Court of Final Appeal pending this week's full hearing.

Difficult balance

A panel of top judges will now&nbsp;have to balance the wording of Beijing's law against the city's common law traditions, its mini-constitution and its Bill of Rights which supposedly guarantee freedom of speech and a presumption of bail for non-violent crimes.

Legal analysts say the outcome will give an indication of whether Hong Kong's judiciary will serve -- or even can serve -- as any kind of constitutional brake against Beijing's security law.

"Today's hearing is likely to be the single most important and consequential court hearing in Hong Kong's post-1997 history," Antony Dapiran, a Hong Kong lawyer and author, told AFP.

Throughout the hearing on Monday judges challenged prosecutors on why bail should not be granted given Lai has agreed to strict house arrest measures.

Government lawyers countered that Beijing's law made clear it wanted those charged with security law crimes denied bail.

"The public simply cannot afford one act that endangers national security," prosecutor Anthony Chau told the court.&nbsp;

The judges are in a precarious position.

In Hong Kong's complex constitutional hierarchy the ultimate arbiter of the laws is Beijing's Standing Committee, which has showed an increased willingness in recent years to wade into legal arguments and make pronouncements.

China's state media have already declared Lai guilty and made clear authorities expect Hong Kong's judges to side with Beijing on national security.

Senior Chinese officials have recently backed calls to "reform" Hong Kong's judiciary, something opponents fear signals support for a more mainland-style legal system that answers to the Communist Party and where convictions are all but guaranteed.

Outside court on Monday, small groups of nationalist protesters gathered, two dressed as the coronavirus and holding banners that described Lai's newspaper as "poison".

Others heckled Lai's supporters, including 89-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen, a veteran democracy advocate who was called a "dog" and a "traitor" by the pro-Beijing protesters as he entered court.&nbsp;

Detained Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was in court Monday trying to win bail in the first major legal challenge to a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year.

Detained Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was in court Monday trying to win bail in the first major legal challenge to a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year. The landmark case puts the city's independent judiciary on a potentially precarious collision course with China's authoritarian leadership as Beijing seeks to snuff out dissent in the restless financial hub. Lai, 73, who owns the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, is one of more than 100 democracy supporters arrested under the new law since it was enacted in June, and he is the highest profile figure to be incarcerated on pretrial charges. He has been charged with "colluding with foreign forces" -- one of the new security crimes -- for allegedly calling for sanctions on Hong Kong and China in response to an ongoing crackdown on dissidents. The security law is the most dramatic shift in Hong Kong's relationship with China since it was handed back by Britain in 1997. It criminalises a host of political views and toppled the legal firewall between the two territories. Written in Beijing and imposed by fiat, it allows mainland security agents to operate openly in the city for the first time and grants China jurisdiction in some cases. Another precedent-setting element of the law is no presumption of bail -- a hallmark of Hong Kong's independent common law legal system. That is what Lai and his lawyers were seeking to challenge on Monday. Lai was detained in December and initially granted bail after agreeing to a stringent list of requirements, including house arrest and no interviews or social media. But he was put back behind bars days later by the Court of Final Appeal pending this week's full hearing. Difficult balance A panel of top judges will now have to balance the wording of Beijing's law against the city's common law traditions, its mini-constitution and its Bill of Rights which supposedly guarantee freedom of speech and a presumption of bail for non-violent crimes. Legal analysts say the outcome will give an indication of whether Hong Kong's judiciary will serve -- or even can serve -- as any kind of constitutional brake against Beijing's security law. "Today's hearing is likely to be the single most important and consequential court hearing in Hong Kong's post-1997 history," Antony Dapiran, a Hong Kong lawyer and author, told AFP. Throughout the hearing on Monday judges challenged prosecutors on why bail should not be granted given Lai has agreed to strict house arrest measures. Government lawyers countered that Beijing's law made clear it wanted those charged with security law crimes denied bail. "The public simply cannot afford one act that endangers national security," prosecutor Anthony Chau told the court. The judges are in a precarious position. In Hong Kong's complex constitutional hierarchy the ultimate arbiter of the laws is Beijing's Standing Committee, which has showed an increased willingness in recent years to wade into legal arguments and make pronouncements. China's state media have already declared Lai guilty and made clear authorities expect Hong Kong's judges to side with Beijing on national security. Senior Chinese officials have recently backed calls to "reform" Hong Kong's judiciary, something opponents fear signals support for a more mainland-style legal system that answers to the Communist Party and where convictions are all but guaranteed. Outside court on Monday, small groups of nationalist protesters gathered, two dressed as the coronavirus and holding banners that described Lai's newspaper as "poison". Others heckled Lai's supporters, including 89-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen, a veteran democracy advocate who was called a "dog" and a "traitor" by the pro-Beijing protesters as he entered court.

Pro-democracy tycoon in landmark challenge to Hong Kong security law

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called arrested Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai a "brave man" and expressed his support for the pro-democracy advocate who was briefly detained last week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-arrest-of-hong-kongs-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-back-fired-319812">How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired</a>

"I sent him best wishes," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Lai was among 10 people detained on August 10 under a sweeping security law imposed by Beijing, as around 200 police officers searched the newsroom of his Apple Daily tabloid, which is unapologetically critical of China.

The 71-year-old was cheered by staff and handed a bouquet as he returned to the newsroom two days later following a late-night release on bail after 40 hours in custody.

During the White House briefing, Trump called Lai "certainly a brave man."

Beijing's crackdown has provoked outrage in the West and deepened fears for millions who last year took to Hong Kong's streets to protest China's tightening grip on the city.

China has declared it will have jurisdiction over especially serious national security crimes, toppling the legal firewall between the mainland's Communist Party-controlled courts and Hong Kong's independent judiciary.

US authorities earlier in the day formally notified Hong Kong that the United States has withdrawn from three bilateral deals with the semi-autonomous Chinese city on extradition and taxation.

The announcement follows Trump's decision to revoke Hong Kong's preferential trade status.

In July, the president signed an executive order stipulating that the financial hub lacked the autonomy needed to justify special treatment as compared with China.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called arrested Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai a "brave man" and expressed his support for the pro-democracy advocate who was briefly detained last week.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called arrested Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai a "brave man" and expressed his support for the pro-democracy advocate who was briefly detained last week. Also read: How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired "I sent him best wishes," Trump told reporters at the White House. Lai was among 10 people detained on August 10 under a sweeping security law imposed by Beijing, as around 200 police officers searched the newsroom of his Apple Daily tabloid, which is unapologetically critical of China. The 71-year-old was cheered by staff and handed a bouquet as he returned to the newsroom two days later following a late-night release on bail after 40 hours in custody. During the White House briefing, Trump called Lai "certainly a brave man." Beijing's crackdown has provoked outrage in the West and deepened fears for millions who last year took to Hong Kong's streets to protest China's tightening grip on the city. China has declared it will have jurisdiction over especially serious national security crimes, toppling the legal firewall between the mainland's Communist Party-controlled courts and Hong Kong's independent judiciary. US authorities earlier in the day formally notified Hong Kong that the United States has withdrawn from three bilateral deals with the semi-autonomous Chinese city on extradition and taxation. The announcement follows Trump's decision to revoke Hong Kong's preferential trade status. In July, the president signed an executive order stipulating that the financial hub lacked the autonomy needed to justify special treatment as compared with China.

Trump calls arrested Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai 'brave man'

Pro-democracy&nbsp;media tycoon Jimmy Lai denies violating national security law&nbsp;calling accusations an ''excuse to clamp down''&nbsp;by Beijing.

Three days after he was released from police custody, Lai said in an interview ''I have never given one cent or dime to the movement and nobody has given us any money except moral support''.

Lai, a staunch supporter of the city's democracy movement, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of collusion with foreign forces as police raided the offices of his Apple Daily tabloid.

He was released on bail early on Wednesday, and greeted by a throng of supporters chanting "fight till the end".

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized the arrest of Hong Kong media tycoon saying "I think it's a terrible thing".

Since&nbsp;Lai's arrest people have been queuing up early in the morning to buy his Apple Daily, and many have also bought shares in Next Digital,&nbsp;Lai's media company that publishes his newspaper, sparking a rally of more than 2,000 per cent&nbsp;at its peak.

The 71-year-old,&nbsp;who China sees as a "traitor", was arrested under a new security law imposed by Beijing on June 30 in response to a year of pro-democracy unrest in the former British colony, which returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula aimed at preserving its autonomy.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, fuelled by fears Beijing has been eroding city freedoms, has enjoyed and sustained broad support in the city.

Critics say the law brings semi-autonomous Hong Kong closer to mainland China's authoritarianism, while its supporters say it will bring stability to the city and safeguard its prosperity.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai denies violating national security law calling accusations an ''excuse to clamp down'' by Beijing. Three days after he was released from police custody, Lai said in an interview ''I have never given one cent or dime to the movement and nobody has given us any money except moral support''.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai denies violating national security law calling accusations an ''excuse to clamp down'' by Beijing. Three days after he was released from police custody, Lai said in an interview ''I have never given one cent or dime to the movement and nobody has given us any money except moral support''. Lai, a staunch supporter of the city's democracy movement, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of collusion with foreign forces as police raided the offices of his Apple Daily tabloid. He was released on bail early on Wednesday, and greeted by a throng of supporters chanting "fight till the end". US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized the arrest of Hong Kong media tycoon saying "I think it's a terrible thing". Since Lai's arrest people have been queuing up early in the morning to buy his Apple Daily, and many have also bought shares in Next Digital, Lai's media company that publishes his newspaper, sparking a rally of more than 2,000 per cent at its peak. The 71-year-old, who China sees as a "traitor", was arrested under a new security law imposed by Beijing on June 30 in response to a year of pro-democracy unrest in the former British colony, which returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula aimed at preserving its autonomy. Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, fuelled by fears Beijing has been eroding city freedoms, has enjoyed and sustained broad support in the city. Critics say the law brings semi-autonomous Hong Kong closer to mainland China's authoritarianism, while its supporters say it will bring stability to the city and safeguard its prosperity.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai denies violating national security law

Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai has received a hero's welcome upon his return to his newsroom in Apple Daily. Watch report.

Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai receives a hero's welcome upon return to his newsroom

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law.

According to the South Morning China Post, the newspaper will file an interim injunction against the police raid in the newspaper’s offices.

In conversation with SMCP, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief Ryan Law said that they were seeking an injunction order after “journalistic materials were included in the documents of Apple Daily Charitable Foundation seized by police”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/jimmy-lai-tells-staff-to-fight-on-for-people-of-hong-kong-after-being-released-from-police-custody-319886" hreflang="en">Jimmy Lai tells staff to 'fight on' for 'people of Hong Kong' after being released from police custody</a>

According to Law, lawyers have already applied for sealing seized material like hard drives, which includes articles, pictures, and video footage.

Hong Kong police force undertook a nine-hour long search operation at the newspaper’s office, after which 30 boxes of documents and three hard drives were reportedly seized.

Is it legal?

Law has questioned the legality of this search operation, and claimed that he had requested the officers to hold back the operation until lawyers had arrived on the spot, but to no avail.

Over 200 officers stormed the Tseung Kwan O offices of the newspaper on Monday, and video footage showed officers rummaging through documents on the desks of journalists.

The police claims that some of the arrested were on the same floor as the editorial department, and did not intend to stir trouble for the journalists, which is why they had undertaken an “initial screening” of what qualifies as editorial materials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-released-on-bail-319811" hreflang="en">Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail</a>

According to Section 50(7) of the Police Force Ordinance, officers may enter premises to search people with warrants, but it does not grant them the power to see material of “journalistic material”. This would require authorisation from a higher court.

The Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance of Section 82 defines “journalistic materials” as any material created for the purpose of journalism.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told his staff at Apple Daily to “fight on” early on Wednesday, a day after he was released on bail.&nbsp;Lai was arrested under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong.

"Let's fight on"

"Fight on! Let's fight on," Lai said in a Facebook live broadcast.&nbsp;"We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down”, he said.

A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/how-arrest-of-hong-kongs-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-back-fired-319812" hreflang="en">How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired</a>

The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing.

His arrest came&nbsp;amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula.

The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law. According to the South Morning China Post, the newspaper will file an interim injunction against the police raid in the newspaper’s offices. In conversation with SMCP, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief Ryan Law said that they were seeking an injunction order after “journalistic materials were included in the documents of Apple Daily Charitable Foundation seized by police”. Also read: Jimmy Lai tells staff to 'fight on' for 'people of Hong Kong' after being released from police custody According to Law, lawyers have already applied for sealing seized material like hard drives, which includes articles, pictures, and video footage. Hong Kong police force undertook a nine-hour long search operation at the newspaper’s office, after which 30 boxes of documents and three hard drives were reportedly seized. Is it legal? Law has questioned the legality of this search operation, and claimed that he had requested the officers to hold back the operation until lawyers had arrived on the spot, but to no avail. Over 200 officers stormed the Tseung Kwan O offices of the newspaper on Monday, and video footage showed officers rummaging through documents on the desks of journalists. The police claims that some of the arrested were on the same floor as the editorial department, and did not intend to stir trouble for the journalists, which is why they had undertaken an “initial screening” of what qualifies as editorial materials. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail According to Section 50(7) of the Police Force Ordinance, officers may enter premises to search people with warrants, but it does not grant them the power to see material of “journalistic material”. This would require authorisation from a higher court. The Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance of Section 82 defines “journalistic materials” as any material created for the purpose of journalism. Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told his staff at Apple Daily to “fight on” early on Wednesday, a day after he was released on bail. Lai was arrested under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong. "Let's fight on" "Fight on! Let's fight on," Lai said in a Facebook live broadcast. "We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down”, he said. A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts. Also read: How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing. His arrest came amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula. The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms.

Hong Kong's Apple Daily taking legal action against unlawful seizure of 'journalistic materials'

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told his staff at Apple Daily to “fight on” early on Wednesday, a day after he was released on bail.&nbsp;Lai was arrested under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong.

"Fight on! Let's fight on," Lai said in a Facebook live broadcast.&nbsp;"We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down”, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-released-on-bail-319811" hreflang="en">Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail</a>

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was released from police custody on Tuesday, a day after being detained under a sweeping security law imposed by China.&nbsp;When Lai left a police station he was swarmed by dozens of cheering supporters, some of whom waved copies of his Apple Daily in a show of support.

Clampdown on freedom in HK

A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts.

The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/pro-democracy-activists-agnes-chow-and-jimmy-lai-released-on-bail-hk-police-confiscates-chows-passport-319874/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His arrest came&nbsp;amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula.

'Pretext to silence opposition'

The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/how-arrest-of-hong-kongs-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-back-fired-319812" hreflang="en">How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired</a>

Britain said Lai's arrest was further evidence the security law was a "pretext to silence opposition", to which China's embassy replied by urging London to stop "using freedom of the press as an excuse to discredit" the law.

Hong Kong has since become another source of contention between the United States and China, whose relations were already at their most strained in years over issues including trade, the coronavirus, China's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority and its claims in the South China Sea.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told his staff at Apple Daily to “fight on” early on Wednesday, a day after he was released on bail. Lai was arrested under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told his staff at Apple Daily to “fight on” early on Wednesday, a day after he was released on bail. Lai was arrested under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong. "Fight on! Let's fight on," Lai said in a Facebook live broadcast. "We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down”, he said. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was released from police custody on Tuesday, a day after being detained under a sweeping security law imposed by China. When Lai left a police station he was swarmed by dozens of cheering supporters, some of whom waved copies of his Apple Daily in a show of support. Clampdown on freedom in HK A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts. The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing. His arrest came amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula. 'Pretext to silence opposition' The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms. Also read: How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired Britain said Lai's arrest was further evidence the security law was a "pretext to silence opposition", to which China's embassy replied by urging London to stop "using freedom of the press as an excuse to discredit" the law. Hong Kong has since become another source of contention between the United States and China, whose relations were already at their most strained in years over issues including trade, the coronavirus, China's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority and its claims in the South China Sea.

Jimmy Lai tells staff to 'fight on' for 'people of Hong Kong' after being released from police custody

Hong Kong's Apple Daily tabloid responded with defiance on Tuesday to the arrest of owner Jimmy Lai under a new national security law imposed by Beijing, promising to "fight on" in a front-page headline over an image of Lai in handcuffs.

Readers queued from the early hours to get copies of the pro-democracy tabloid a day after police raided its offices and took Lai into detention, the highest-profile arrest so far under the national security law.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kongs-jimmy-lai-arrested-under-the-new-security-law-319562" hreflang="en">Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai arrested under the new security law</a>

"Apple Daily must fight on", the front page headline read, amid fears the national security law amounts to an assault on freedom of speech in the semi-autonomous territory.&nbsp;

"Yesterday will not be the darkest day for Apple Daily as the subsequent nuisances, suppression and arrests will continue to induce fear in us," it wrote in an editorial.&nbsp;

"Nevertheless, the prayers and encouragement of many readers and writers make us believe that as long as there are readers, there will be writers, and that Apple Daily shall certainly fight on."

More than 500,000 copies were printed, up from the usual 100,000, the paper said on its website.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-arrested-under-national-security-law-319295" hreflang="en">Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under National Security Law</a>

Dozens of people queued for the paper in the working-class neighbourhood of Mong Kok as early as 2:00 a.m. (1800 GMT). Some vendors said they sold out during the morning rush-hour.

"What the police did yesterday interfered with press freedom brutally," said 45-year-old Kim Yau as she bought a copy.&nbsp;

"All Hong Kongers with a conscience have to support Hong Kong today, support Apple Daily."

Police detained Lai on Monday for suspected collusion with foreign forces after about 200 officers searched the newspaper's offices, collecting 25 boxes of evidence.

On the mainland, the China Daily newspaper wrote in an editorial that Lai's arrest showed "the cost of dancing with the enemy". The Beijing-backed paper added that "justice delayed didn't mean the absence of justice".

Beijing has labelled Lai a "traitor" in the past.

Shares in Lai's media company, Next Digital &lt;0282.HK&gt;, which publishes Apple Daily, surged 170% at the open on Tuesday after online pro-democracy forums called on investors to show support.&nbsp;

Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the Chinese-ruled city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing.

His arrest comes amid a crackdown against pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong which has drawn international condemnation and raised fears for the freedoms promised by Beijing when the former British colony returned to China in 1997.

Police arrested 10 people in total on Monday, including other Apple Daily executives and 23-year-old Agnes Chow, one of the former leaders of young activist Joshua Wong's Demosisto group, which disbanded before the new law came into force.

The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything Beijing considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called Lai a "patriot" and said his arrest showed that Beijing had "eviscerated" Hong Kong's freedoms and eroded the rights of its people.

Britain said the arrest was further evidence the security law was a "pretext to silence opposition".

China's embassy in Britain responded by urging London to stop "using freedom of the press as an excuse to discredit" the national security law.

It accused Britain of "supporting anti-China elements seeking to disrupt Hong Kong" and interfering in its internal affairs.

Hong Kong's Apple Daily tabloid responded with defiance on Tuesday to the arrest of owner Jimmy Lai under a new national security law imposed by Beijing, promising to "fight on" in a front-page headline over an image of Lai in handcuffs.

Hong Kong's Apple Daily tabloid responded with defiance on Tuesday to the arrest of owner Jimmy Lai under a new national security law imposed by Beijing, promising to "fight on" in a front-page headline over an image of Lai in handcuffs. Readers queued from the early hours to get copies of the pro-democracy tabloid a day after police raided its offices and took Lai into detention, the highest-profile arrest so far under the national security law. Also read: Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai arrested under the new security law "Apple Daily must fight on", the front page headline read, amid fears the national security law amounts to an assault on freedom of speech in the semi-autonomous territory. "Yesterday will not be the darkest day for Apple Daily as the subsequent nuisances, suppression and arrests will continue to induce fear in us," it wrote in an editorial. "Nevertheless, the prayers and encouragement of many readers and writers make us believe that as long as there are readers, there will be writers, and that Apple Daily shall certainly fight on." More than 500,000 copies were printed, up from the usual 100,000, the paper said on its website. Also read: Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under National Security Law Dozens of people queued for the paper in the working-class neighbourhood of Mong Kok as early as 2:00 a.m. (1800 GMT). Some vendors said they sold out during the morning rush-hour. "What the police did yesterday interfered with press freedom brutally," said 45-year-old Kim Yau as she bought a copy. "All Hong Kongers with a conscience have to support Hong Kong today, support Apple Daily." Police detained Lai on Monday for suspected collusion with foreign forces after about 200 officers searched the newspaper's offices, collecting 25 boxes of evidence. On the mainland, the China Daily newspaper wrote in an editorial that Lai's arrest showed "the cost of dancing with the enemy". The Beijing-backed paper added that "justice delayed didn't mean the absence of justice". Beijing has labelled Lai a "traitor" in the past. Shares in Lai's media company, Next Digital <0282.HK>, which publishes Apple Daily, surged 170% at the open on Tuesday after online pro-democracy forums called on investors to show support. Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the Chinese-ruled city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing. His arrest comes amid a crackdown against pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong which has drawn international condemnation and raised fears for the freedoms promised by Beijing when the former British colony returned to China in 1997. Police arrested 10 people in total on Monday, including other Apple Daily executives and 23-year-old Agnes Chow, one of the former leaders of young activist Joshua Wong's Demosisto group, which disbanded before the new law came into force. The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything Beijing considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called Lai a "patriot" and said his arrest showed that Beijing had "eviscerated" Hong Kong's freedoms and eroded the rights of its people. Britain said the arrest was further evidence the security law was a "pretext to silence opposition". China's embassy in Britain responded by urging London to stop "using freedom of the press as an excuse to discredit" the national security law. It accused Britain of "supporting anti-China elements seeking to disrupt Hong Kong" and interfering in its internal affairs.

Hong Kong's Apple Daily vows to 'fight on' after owner arrested

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