"Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Asserts Innocence in High-Profile Hong Kong Sedition Trial"

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has pleaded not guilty to charges under the national security law imposed by China, including "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces" and "conspiracy to publish seditious publications." Lai, who has been in custody since December 2020, is a prominent critic of Beijing and could face life imprisonment if convicted. His trial, which has been delayed due to government intervention in his legal representation, involves other defendants and is being conducted without a jury. International concerns have been raised about the fairness of the trial and the broader impact of the security law on Hong Kong's freedoms.