All eyes on Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai as high-stakes national security trial gets under way

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s landmark national security trial opened on Monday over collusion charges that could lead to the outspoken Beijing critic and anti-government activist being sentenced to life in prison if convicted.

In a case closely watched around the world, the 76-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily tabloid newspaper is facing three conspiracy charges relating to sedition and collusion with foreign forces for allegedly drawing international sanctions against authorities and inciting public hatred in the wake of anti-government protests in 2019.