The vaguely worded and widely applied Hong Kong security law was designed to end Hong Kong's liberties and autonomy. Hong Kong's dark phase has begun as the city saw the first high profile arrest under the security law.

Business tycoon Jimmy Lai was handcuffed, escorted out of his office, put into a police van and taken away. Lai has been accused of violating the new security law and colluding with a foreign country.

China's Global Times&nbsp;had a lot to say. It described Lai as a riot supporter.

His tabloid, Apple Daily was accused of "instigating hatred, spreading rumours and smearing Hong Kong authorities and mainland for years".

The security law was implemented on June 10. &nbsp;It was not supposed to be applied retroactively.&nbsp;

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Lai's arrest spells abuse of the security law. Beijing has repeatedly called him a traitor. He is one of the most prominent pro-democracy voices from Hong Kong. China refers to him as the black hand behind last year's pro-democracy protests. The 71-year-old owns the retail company- Giordano, the tabloid&nbsp;Apple Daily and the Next magazine. Lai is worth more than $1 billion and holds a UK citizenship.

He has never been shy of taking on the Chinese leadership. He once said: "China being the number 2 strongest country in the world and has a dictator like Xi Jinping on top of it.. Domestically a lot of people think that Xi Jinping is becoming Mao Zedong."

Lai's media platforms are critical of Beijing. Apple Daily was the most-read newspaper in 2019. It has been a target of Xi's men. Jimmy Lai once received rotten animal entrails on mail.

In 2015, he spoke to AFP about freeing press from China's clutches. He said: "People is taking control of the media in the mobile world, so we don't have to worry about whether the media will be controlled by china or the media will be controlled by the tycoon who fight for China who is leaning on China; no the world is changing. Technology has given the control of the media to each individual."

Earlier today, the Apple Daily newsroom was raided by 200 policemen. At least 9 people were arrested.&nbsp;The&nbsp;assault on the free press was broadcast live on Facebook.

Is this the future of Hong Kong media? Will reporting lead to arrests?

The Apple Daily episode comes days after Washington slapped sanctions on high profile Hong Kong officials.

Carry lam and her masters in Beijing are undeterred. The world must make China pay for its massacre of Hong Kong.

The vaguely worded and widely applied Hong Kong security law was designed to end Hong Kong's liberties and autonomy. Hong Kong's dark phase has begun as the city saw the first high profile arrest under the security law.

The vaguely worded and widely applied Hong Kong security law was designed to end Hong Kong's liberties and autonomy. Hong Kong's dark phase has begun as the city saw the first high profile arrest under the security law. Business tycoon Jimmy Lai was handcuffed, escorted out of his office, put into a police van and taken away. Lai has been accused of violating the new security law and colluding with a foreign country. China's Global Times had a lot to say. It described Lai as a riot supporter. His tabloid, Apple Daily was accused of "instigating hatred, spreading rumours and smearing Hong Kong authorities and mainland for years". The security law was implemented on June 10. It was not supposed to be applied retroactively. Lai's arrest spells abuse of the security law. Beijing has repeatedly called him a traitor. He is one of the most prominent pro-democracy voices from Hong Kong. China refers to him as the black hand behind last year's pro-democracy protests. The 71-year-old owns the retail company- Giordano, the tabloid Apple Daily and the Next magazine. Lai is worth more than $1 billion and holds a UK citizenship. He has never been shy of taking on the Chinese leadership. He once said: "China being the number 2 strongest country in the world and has a dictator like Xi Jinping on top of it.. Domestically a lot of people think that Xi Jinping is becoming Mao Zedong." Lai's media platforms are critical of Beijing. Apple Daily was the most-read newspaper in 2019. It has been a target of Xi's men. Jimmy Lai once received rotten animal entrails on mail. In 2015, he spoke to AFP about freeing press from China's clutches. He said: "People is taking control of the media in the mobile world, so we don't have to worry about whether the media will be controlled by china or the media will be controlled by the tycoon who fight for China who is leaning on China; no the world is changing. Technology has given the control of the media to each individual." Earlier today, the Apple Daily newsroom was raided by 200 policemen. At least 9 people were arrested. The assault on the free press was broadcast live on Facebook. Is this the future of Hong Kong media? Will reporting lead to arrests? The Apple Daily episode comes days after Washington slapped sanctions on high profile Hong Kong officials. Carry lam and her masters in Beijing are undeterred. The world must make China pay for its massacre of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai arrested under the new security law

Hong Kong residents have rallied behind the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily after its founder Jimmy Lai was detained

Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai's apple daily vows to fight on | HK Security Law | World News

The value of Jimmy Lai’s company’s shares in the stock markets have jumped nine times after its owner’s arrest as the activists and pro-democracy people threw their support behind it.

Next Digital, the media group owned by tycoon Jimmy Lai and which runs the tabloid Apple Daily, rose 214 per cent to HK$0.80 in the morning on Tuesday -- meaning it has risen 788 per cent since trading began on Monday at HK$0.09.

The 71-year-old Lai owns the retail company- Giordano, the tabloid Apple Daily and the Next magazine. Lai is worth more than $1 billion and holds a UK citizenship.

On August 10, Jimmy Lai was handcuffed, escorted out of his office, put into a police van and taken away. Lai had been accused of violating the new security law imposed by China in Hong Kong and colluding with a foreign country.

His tabloid, Apple Daily was accused of "instigating hatred, spreading rumours and smearing Hong Kong authorities and the mainland for years".

The security law was implemented on June 10. &nbsp;It was not supposed to be applied retroactively.&nbsp;

Lai's arrest spells abuse of the security law. Beijing has repeatedly called him a traitor.&nbsp;

He is one of the most prominent pro-democracy voices from Hong Kong. China refers to him as the Black Hand behind last year's pro-democracy protests.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The value of Jimmy Lai’s company’s shares in the stock markets have jumped nine times after its owner’s arrest as the activists and pro-democracy people threw their support behind it.

The value of Jimmy Lai’s company’s shares in the stock markets have jumped nine times after its owner’s arrest as the activists and pro-democracy people threw their support behind it. Next Digital, the media group owned by tycoon Jimmy Lai and which runs the tabloid Apple Daily, rose 214 per cent to HK$0.80 in the morning on Tuesday -- meaning it has risen 788 per cent since trading began on Monday at HK$0.09. The 71-year-old Lai owns the retail company- Giordano, the tabloid Apple Daily and the Next magazine. Lai is worth more than $1 billion and holds a UK citizenship. On August 10, Jimmy Lai was handcuffed, escorted out of his office, put into a police van and taken away. Lai had been accused of violating the new security law imposed by China in Hong Kong and colluding with a foreign country. His tabloid, Apple Daily was accused of "instigating hatred, spreading rumours and smearing Hong Kong authorities and the mainland for years". The security law was implemented on June 10. It was not supposed to be applied retroactively. Lai's arrest spells abuse of the security law. Beijing has repeatedly called him a traitor. He is one of the most prominent pro-democracy voices from Hong Kong. China refers to him as the Black Hand behind last year's pro-democracy protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai's company skyrocketed 788% since his arrest

Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other members from his group&nbsp;under China's new National Security Law.

"They arrested him at his house at about 7am. Our lawyers are on the way to the police station," Mark Simon, a close aide of Lai told the media.

The media tycoon and his aides were detained on Monday for fraud and 'colluding with foreign forces'. Lai has been an active pro-democracy voice and had raised his voice against China's much criticised new National Security Law in Hong Kong, calling it&nbsp; "a death knell for Hong Kong".

"It will supersede or destroy our rule of law and destroy our international financial status," he said earlier.

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The new security law imposed by China in Hong Kong has been criticised internationally, and especially in Hong Kong. Since the implementation of the law, several pro-democracy activists have been arrested, as it was feared earlier.

Lai, a beloved voice in Hong Kong, is seen as a traitor and&nbsp;&nbsp;the biggest "black hand" in the Chinese media. However, Lai had earlier declared that he will be willing to go to the prison if that is what it took to raise his voice against the imposition of the new law.

"I'm prepared for prison," he had earlier said. "If it comes, I will have the opportunity to read books I haven't read. The only thing I can do is to be positive."

He had earlier predicted that the authorities would come after him and his journalists after the law was implemented. However, this is not his first arrest.&nbsp;He is already being prosecuted for taking part in last year's protests and for defying a police ban to attend a vigil in early June commemorating Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown in 1989.

Lai's team of lawyers had rushed to the authorities soon after his arrest.

Hours after the arrest was made dozens of Hong Kong police officers started an extensive search of Jimmy Lai's organisation, Apple Daily. Live images broadcast on Facebook by Apple Daily's own reporters showed officers searching their newsroom in an industrial park on the outskirts of the international financial hub.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other members from his group under China's new National Security Law. "They arrested him at his house at about 7am.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other members from his group under China's new National Security Law. "They arrested him at his house at about 7am. Our lawyers are on the way to the police station," Mark Simon, a close aide of Lai told the media. The media tycoon and his aides were detained on Monday for fraud and 'colluding with foreign forces'. Lai has been an active pro-democracy voice and had raised his voice against China's much criticised new National Security Law in Hong Kong, calling it "a death knell for Hong Kong". "It will supersede or destroy our rule of law and destroy our international financial status," he said earlier. × The new security law imposed by China in Hong Kong has been criticised internationally, and especially in Hong Kong. Since the implementation of the law, several pro-democracy activists have been arrested, as it was feared earlier. Lai, a beloved voice in Hong Kong, is seen as a traitor and the biggest "black hand" in the Chinese media. However, Lai had earlier declared that he will be willing to go to the prison if that is what it took to raise his voice against the imposition of the new law. "I'm prepared for prison," he had earlier said. "If it comes, I will have the opportunity to read books I haven't read. The only thing I can do is to be positive." He had earlier predicted that the authorities would come after him and his journalists after the law was implemented. However, this is not his first arrest. He is already being prosecuted for taking part in last year's protests and for defying a police ban to attend a vigil in early June commemorating Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown in 1989. Lai's team of lawyers had rushed to the authorities soon after his arrest. Hours after the arrest was made dozens of Hong Kong police officers started an extensive search of Jimmy Lai's organisation, Apple Daily. Live images broadcast on Facebook by Apple Daily's own reporters showed officers searching their newsroom in an industrial park on the outskirts of the international financial hub.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under National Security Law

Hong Kong business tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested and his newspaper offices raided by police over allegations of collusion with foreign forces.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under new security law | Hong Kong top news | WION

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai who founded local newspaper Apple Daily was arrested by police at his home in Hong Kong. Jimmy Lai was arrested on August 10 on suspicion of collusion with foreign powers, his aide said, in the highest-profile use yet of the new national security law Beijing imposed on the city after protests last year.

Hong Kong media tycoon and activist Jimmy Lai arrested

Jimmy Lai's offices raided by Hong Kong police: Lai's senior executives also arrested

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 August&nbsp;31. The newspaper said Lai had followed a crowd along a central route for two hours on that day, singing hymns and praying.

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.&nbsp;

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.

Lai was seen by a Reuters reporter leaving the Kowloon City police station in a black Mercedes on Friday. He did not 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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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 August 31. The newspaper said Lai had followed a crowd along a central route for two hours on that day, singing hymns and praying. 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. 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. Lai was seen by a Reuters reporter leaving the Kowloon City police station in a black Mercedes on Friday. He did not 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. 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

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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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1233234066381475840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/afghanistan-since-the-taliban-regime-fell-in-2001-283150#2001-war-on-terror-57590">Afghanistan since the Taliban regime fell in 2001</a>

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-india-accuses-china-of-denying-permission-for-relief-flight-282143/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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. 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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