HK pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai arrested

Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was arrested Monday on suspicion of breaching the new national security law, local media reported.   

Lai was arrested on suspicion of breaching the new law, according to local broadcaster RTHK and SCMP.   

Hong Kong police confirmed on Twitter that seven people aged 39 to 72 were arrested on suspicion of breaches of the national security law, but did not confirm their names.   

The suspected offences include collusion with a foreign country, police said, adding that an investigation was under way.   

Lai is the owner of pan-democratic tabloid Apple Daily and a prominent pro-democracy figure.   

Apple Daily posted footage on social media of dozens of police officers entering the Next Media Building, the newspaper’s headquarters, with images showing police searching floors of news desks.   

Steve Li, the chief superintendent of the national security law, was seen in live footage filmed by Apple Daily staff at the scene.   

The national security law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing came into force on June 30, the eve of the 23rd anniversary of the handover of the ex-British colony back to China.   
It targets secession, acts of terrorism, subversion and collusion with foreign forces.
Hong Kong (dpa) 10 August 2020