NewsHong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was granted bail Wednesday on charges related to fraud and national security.
Hong Kong authorities arrested Lai in August. He was charged with fraud for violating the lease terms of his company Next Digital’s office. Additionally, he was charged with colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security. He had earlier been denied bail.
Lai is one of many pro-democracy advocates who have been jailed under China’s Hong Kong National Security Law. China passed the security law allowing for arrest of Hong Kong citizens for terrorism if they engage in “dangerous activities which seriously jeopardize public health, safety or security” on June 30. The sweeping law led to the arrest of 11 pro-democracy demonstrators on the day that it was passed. The UK, EU and US have all publicly denounced the law.
Lai’s bail release comes after three pro-democracy advocates were sentenced to prison earlier this month in connection with their protests. Lai is the co-founder of the newspaper Apple Daily and international fashion retailer Giordano.
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