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Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested in connection with case of 12 fugitives who tried to flee to Taiwan
- Apple Daily founder already held in maximum security prison and charged under national security law
- Lai accused of ‘conspiracy to assist offender’ and collusion with a foreign country
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Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying has been arrested in Stanley Prison and accused of helping 12 fugitives who tried to flee to Taiwan, as well as collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security.
Lai was named in a hearing at West Kowloon Court on Wednesday, in which a 29-year-old legal assistant appeared for mention and was accused of conspiring with Lai, activist Andy Li Yu-hin and others in colluding with external forces.
Officers arrested Lai, who founded the tabloid-style Apple Daily newspaper, on Tuesday evening under the national security law for “conspiracy to assist an offender”, and “conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” – a crime carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison.
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The Post has contacted police for an official comment.
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The legal assistant, Chan Tsz-wah, was also accused of conspiring with Lai, Li, and others to help Li leave Hong Kong to escape prosecution.
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