Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon detained under a new national security law was granted bail on Wednesday&nbsp;under strict conditions.

Lai was remanded into custody earlier this month by a dedicated national security judge sitting in a lower court.

The vocal Beijing critic is one of the highest-profile figures charged under a sweeping security law that China imposed on the financial hub over the summer in a bid to stamp out dissent.

He is accused of colluding with foreign countries by calling on overseas governments to sanction Hong Kong and China in response to its ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy activism in the city.

On Wednesday, Lai's legal team appealed to the city's High Court, where he was granted bail by a more senior judge picked to adjudicate national security cases.

He was also ordered to pay a HK$10 million bond (US$1.3 million) and imposed a number of other conditions -- he must remain at home, surrender all travel documents and hold no meetings with foreign officials or&nbsp;foreign institutions deemed to be hostile to China.

Lai was also banned from posting on social media, issuing statements or speaking to the media. The prosecution's case against him revolves around tweets and interviews he has given to the media since the national security law was imposed in late June.

(with inputs)

Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon detained under a new national security law was granted bail on Wednesday under strict conditions. Lai was remanded into custody earlier this month by a dedicated national security judge sitting in a lower court.

Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon detained under a new national security law was granted bail on Wednesday under strict conditions. Lai was remanded into custody earlier this month by a dedicated national security judge sitting in a lower court. The vocal Beijing critic is one of the highest-profile figures charged under a sweeping security law that China imposed on the financial hub over the summer in a bid to stamp out dissent. He is accused of colluding with foreign countries by calling on overseas governments to sanction Hong Kong and China in response to its ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy activism in the city. On Wednesday, Lai's legal team appealed to the city's High Court, where he was granted bail by a more senior judge picked to adjudicate national security cases. He was also ordered to pay a HK$10 million bond (US$1.3 million) and imposed a number of other conditions -- he must remain at home, surrender all travel documents and hold no meetings with foreign officials or foreign institutions deemed to be hostile to China. Lai was also banned from posting on social media, issuing statements or speaking to the media. The prosecution's case against him revolves around tweets and interviews he has given to the media since the national security law was imposed in late June. (with inputs)

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai granted bail

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was charged under new national security law on Friday. Jimmy Lai has a pro-democracy leaning and is a strong critic of Beijing. Lai has been accused of colluding with foreign forces. Jimmy Lai was detained last week.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai charged under new security law

China has changed the definition of a journalist in Hong Kong. You will be called a journalist only if you are recognised and registered with the Chinese state. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how Beijing's grip on Hong Kong is growing more firm.

Gravitas: China changes definition of 'Journalist'

China has changed the definition of a journalist in Hong Kong. You will be called a journalist only if you are recognised and registered with the Chinese state.

Hong Kong: China regime narrows definition of journalist

Taking another step forward in its dissent of Hong Kong, China's Communist party has issued a guideline that will deprive hundreds of journalists of their right to report.

The&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;new media rules exclude recognition of press passes issued by local media associations including the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Journalists Association and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Press Photographers Association (HKPPA), while accepting journalists from 205 bodies registered with the government and international media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-arrested-for-unauthorised-assembly-329869" hreflang="en">Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong arrested for 'unauthorised assembly'</a>

News associations say the move could limit the work of and raise the risks of arrest for freelancers and student reporters, who have captured some of the most striking scenes of the pro-democracy protests that roiled the city last year, including a video of a police officer shooting a demonstrator in October.

While, China's foreign ministry&nbsp;said on Thursday it supports the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;government in strengthening the management of media in the territory, following a move by&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police to narrow the definition of "media representatives."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-security-law-sends-jitters-through-citys-feisty-press-314362">Hong Kong security law sends jitters through city's feisty press</a>

The&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Journalists Association (HKJA) said a move by police to narrow the definition of "media representatives" allowed at public events such as protests could limit scrutiny on law enforcers.

Police are suspicious of student reporters, who fit the age group of the most ardent protesters, and say they have discovered fake media badges and been attacked by fake reporters.

"All the police want is to limit us," said HKJA chairman Chris Yeung, appearing next to representatives of HKPPA and six other media unions.

"Journalism students are the future of our industry," he said, speaking in front of a banner reading "Defend the truth, no government vetting."

Some students who said they were reporting for their student union publications have been arrested at protests for suspected crimes including rioting.

Late on Wednesday, Security Secretary John Lee said freedom of the media remained intact.

The change to internal guidelines meant that recognised reporters will be allowed in cordoned zones where media is not usually allowed and could also be offered interviews at the scene, which has also been rare, he said.

Lee said the guidelines do not attempt to change the definition of journalists who can conduct reporting outside cordoned areas.

The Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) said on Wednesday the move was "another step in the erosion of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's once cherished press freedom as it would give the police, rather than reporters and editors,&nbsp;the power to determine who covers the police".

The FCC expressed concerns that journalists not recognised under the new guidelines risked being arrested for unlawful assembly and rioting.

China's foreign ministry branch in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;said on Wednesday that the club should "immediately stop meddling with&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;affairs on the pretext of press freedom".

"The truth is not to be distorted," it said. "By anxiously whitewashing the fake journalists, FCC&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;is attempting to endorse the rioters and condone their 'burn with us' violence, thus sowing more trouble in the city."

Pro-democracy protests have been smaller and fewer this year due to coronavirus restrictions on gatherings and since the introduction of a national security law on June 30. There are calls for protests on Oct 1., China's national day.

Taking another step forward in its dissent of Hong Kong, China's Communist party has issued a guideline that will deprive hundreds of journalists of their right to report.

Taking another step forward in its dissent of Hong Kong, China's Communist party has issued a guideline that will deprive hundreds of journalists of their right to report. The Hong Kong new media rules exclude recognition of press passes issued by local media associations including the Hong Kong Journalists Association and Hong Kong Press Photographers Association (HKPPA), while accepting journalists from 205 bodies registered with the government and international media. Also read: Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong arrested for 'unauthorised assembly' News associations say the move could limit the work of and raise the risks of arrest for freelancers and student reporters, who have captured some of the most striking scenes of the pro-democracy protests that roiled the city last year, including a video of a police officer shooting a demonstrator in October. While, China's foreign ministry said on Thursday it supports the Hong Kong government in strengthening the management of media in the territory, following a move by Hong Kong police to narrow the definition of "media representatives." Also read: Hong Kong security law sends jitters through city's feisty press The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) said a move by police to narrow the definition of "media representatives" allowed at public events such as protests could limit scrutiny on law enforcers. Police are suspicious of student reporters, who fit the age group of the most ardent protesters, and say they have discovered fake media badges and been attacked by fake reporters. "All the police want is to limit us," said HKJA chairman Chris Yeung, appearing next to representatives of HKPPA and six other media unions. "Journalism students are the future of our industry," he said, speaking in front of a banner reading "Defend the truth, no government vetting." Some students who said they were reporting for their student union publications have been arrested at protests for suspected crimes including rioting. Late on Wednesday, Security Secretary John Lee said freedom of the media remained intact. The change to internal guidelines meant that recognised reporters will be allowed in cordoned zones where media is not usually allowed and could also be offered interviews at the scene, which has also been rare, he said. Lee said the guidelines do not attempt to change the definition of journalists who can conduct reporting outside cordoned areas. The Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) said on Wednesday the move was "another step in the erosion of Hong Kong's once cherished press freedom as it would give the police, rather than reporters and editors, the power to determine who covers the police". The FCC expressed concerns that journalists not recognised under the new guidelines risked being arrested for unlawful assembly and rioting. China's foreign ministry branch in Hong Kong said on Wednesday that the club should "immediately stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs on the pretext of press freedom". "The truth is not to be distorted," it said. "By anxiously whitewashing the fake journalists, FCC Hong Kong is attempting to endorse the rioters and condone their 'burn with us' violence, thus sowing more trouble in the city." Pro-democracy protests have been smaller and fewer this year due to coronavirus restrictions on gatherings and since the introduction of a national security law on June 30. There are calls for protests on Oct 1., China's national day.

How China is stifling press freedom in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police arrested publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, an outspoken critic of Beijing, and two other pro-democracy activists on Friday on charges of illegal assembly.

Lai, a self-made millionaire who has made financial contributions to Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and has been a target of criticism for mainland Chinese media, was picked up by police at his house, Cable TV and TVB News reported.

Apple Daily, one of the publications under media company Next Digital&nbsp;in which Lai is non-executive chairman, said he was accused of participating in an illegal march on Aug. 31. The newspaper said Lai had followed a crowd along a central route for two hours on that day, singing hymns and praying.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/in-recession-hit-hong-kong-government-to-give-1200-cash-to-all-permanent-residents-282937">In recession- hit Hong Kong, government to give $1,200 cash to all permanent residents</a>

Veteran democracy activists Lee Cheuk-yan and Yeung Sum were also arrested on Friday on the same charges, Cable TV reported.

"Earlier today, we arrested three local men, aged 63 to 72, for suspected participation in a non-approved gathering," Wong Tung Kwong, senior Hong Kong police superintendent of criminal deployment, told a media briefing.

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The three have been charged and will appear in court on May 5, he said. Police did not name those arrested, as per its standard practice. It also gave no further details.

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Lai was seen by a Reuters reporter leaving the Kowloon City police station in a black Mercedes on Friday. He gave no comment.

"The charges will not hinder our fight for democracy, freedom and our human right to continue to gather, march and protest," Lee told reporters in front of the Cheung Sha Wan police station.

Watch:&nbsp;Coronavirus Outbreak: India accuses China of denying permission for relief flight

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Lai and Yeung could not be reached immediately for comment.

The arrests come after a period of relative calm in the Asian financial hub following months of intense anti-government protests.

Hong Kong saw one of its worst clashes on Aug. 31, with police firing tear gas and water cannons at pro-democracy protesters who threw petrol bombs.

Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested more than 7,000 people for their involvement in the protests, many on charges of rioting that can carry jail terms of up to 10 years. It is unclear how many are still in custody.

Public anger has grown over the months due to perceptions of China tightening its grip over the city. Beijing denies meddling and blames the West for fomenting unrest.

Lai was previously arrested in 2014 for refusing to leave a key pro-democracy protest site in the centre of the city. Following his arrest he resigned as editor in chief of Apple Daily. He has also come under scrutiny from Hong Kong's anti-graft agency when they raided his home in 2014.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement it was concerned about the arrests and called on the Hong Kong authorities to ensure freedoms like the right to protest enshrined in the city's basic law are respected.

Hong Kong Democracy Council, a Washington based non- government organisation, said on Friday that the arrests were "blatant acts of political suppression by the Hong Kong government and the Chinese Communist Party".

The group said in a statement it was demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Lai and the other pro-democracy activists.

Hong Kong police arrested publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, an outspoken critic of Beijing, and two other pro-democracy activists on Friday on charges of illegal assembly.

Hong Kong police arrested publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, an outspoken critic of Beijing, and two other pro-democracy activists on Friday on charges of illegal assembly. Lai, a self-made millionaire who has made financial contributions to Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and has been a target of criticism for mainland Chinese media, was picked up by police at his house, Cable TV and TVB News reported. Apple Daily, one of the publications under media company Next Digital in which Lai is non-executive chairman, said he was accused of participating in an illegal march on Aug. 31. The newspaper said Lai had followed a crowd along a central route for two hours on that day, singing hymns and praying. Also read: In recession- hit Hong Kong, government to give $1,200 cash to all permanent residents Veteran democracy activists Lee Cheuk-yan and Yeung Sum were also arrested on Friday on the same charges, Cable TV reported. "Earlier today, we arrested three local men, aged 63 to 72, for suspected participation in a non-approved gathering," Wong Tung Kwong, senior Hong Kong police superintendent of criminal deployment, told a media briefing. National Science Day is an occasion to salute the talent and tenacity of our scientists. Their innovative zeal and pioneering research has helped India and the world. May Indian science continue to thrive and may our young minds develop even greater curiosity towards science. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2020 × The three have been charged and will appear in court on May 5, he said. Police did not name those arrested, as per its standard practice. It also gave no further details. Also see: Afghanistan since the Taliban regime fell in 2001 Lai was seen by a Reuters reporter leaving the Kowloon City police station in a black Mercedes on Friday. He gave no comment. "The charges will not hinder our fight for democracy, freedom and our human right to continue to gather, march and protest," Lee told reporters in front of the Cheung Sha Wan police station. Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: India accuses China of denying permission for relief flight Lai and Yeung could not be reached immediately for comment. The arrests come after a period of relative calm in the Asian financial hub following months of intense anti-government protests. Hong Kong saw one of its worst clashes on Aug. 31, with police firing tear gas and water cannons at pro-democracy protesters who threw petrol bombs. Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested more than 7,000 people for their involvement in the protests, many on charges of rioting that can carry jail terms of up to 10 years. It is unclear how many are still in custody. Public anger has grown over the months due to perceptions of China tightening its grip over the city. Beijing denies meddling and blames the West for fomenting unrest. Lai was previously arrested in 2014 for refusing to leave a key pro-democracy protest site in the centre of the city. Following his arrest he resigned as editor in chief of Apple Daily. He has also come under scrutiny from Hong Kong's anti-graft agency when they raided his home in 2014. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement it was concerned about the arrests and called on the Hong Kong authorities to ensure freedoms like the right to protest enshrined in the city's basic law are respected. Hong Kong Democracy Council, a Washington based non- government organisation, said on Friday that the arrests were "blatant acts of political suppression by the Hong Kong government and the Chinese Communist Party". The group said in a statement it was demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Lai and the other pro-democracy activists.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested on illegal assembly charges United Nations

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