Shweta Tambade
On Wednesday, Hong Kong media journalist, Jimmy Lai was released on bail. He was earlier remanded custody over fraud and national security charges.
On 3rd December, Jimmy Lai was charged with fraud for allegedly violating the lease terms for office space for his media, Next Digital.
On December 12, he was again charged on doubt on intriguing with foreign agencies and threatening national security, under the national security law.
Lai was in custody since 3 December. On Wednesday, after appearing before the court, Jimmy was granted bail by the High Court.
He is one of the latest pro-democracy activists and supporters, who was arrested by Hong Kong, prompting concerns that Hong Kong is cracking down on differences following Beijing’s enforcing of a national security law on the semi-autonomous Chinese territory in June.
Responding to the protests in Hong Kong, in June 2019, Beijing imposed a National Security Law replacing the proposed extradition law and expanded it to include demands for greater democracy in Hong Kong.
The legislation excludes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces to intervene in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
People charged under the National Security Law could also face trial in mainland China where the legal scenario is different. Those committing serious offences could be charged with life imprisonment.
In the early days of the month, Hong Kong had arrested prominent pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, last year, for participating in an anti-government protest outside police headquarters.