Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested again while in jail, papers say (updated)

Oriental Media

17/02/2021 08:55

(Adds Apple Daily report, context)
    HONG KONG, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Jailed Hong Kong media tycoon
Jimmy Lai has been arrested again, on suspicion of assisting one
of 12 fugitives China captured at sea last year, his Apple Daily
tabloid and Oriental Daily said on Wednesday, without citing a
source.
    Lai, detained while awaiting a bail hearing on Thursday, has
been charged with colluding with foreign forces under a sweeping
national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong last
year.
    The fugitives could face potential charges in Hong Kong over
mass anti-government protests in 2019, with Andy Li, whom the
papers identified as the person Lai was suspected of helping,
being investigated for suspected national security crimes.
    Neither newspaper gave further details. It was unclear if
the national security legislation extends to the assistance Lai
is suspected to have given Li.
    Police did not immediately respond to a request to comment.
    The Chinese coast guard captured the 12 fugitives in August
as they tried to flee Hong Kong in a boat believed to be bound
for Taiwan. All were held virtually incommunicado in a mainland
China prison until a trial late in December.
    Ten were jailed for terms ranging from seven months to three
years for illegally crossing the border or organising the
crossing, while two minors were sent back to Hong Kong.
    Lai was already the most high-profile person to be charged
under the new security law, for statements made on July 30 and
Aug. 18, in which prosecutors say he requested foreign
interference in Hong Kong's affairs.
    He was arrested in an August raid by about 200 police
officers on the newsroom of his Apple Daily, known for its
feisty and critical coverage of China and Hong Kong.
    Beijing imposed the new law on the former British colony
last June, after months of pro-democracy protests, to target
anything China that considers subversion, secession, terrorism
or collusion with foreign forces.
    Punishment under the law can range up to life in prison.
    Critics say it is aimed at crushing dissent and erodes
freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub. Supporters say it
restores stability after months of unrest.

 (Reporting by Hong Kong newsroom; Writing by Marius Zaharia;
Editing by Himani Sarkar and Clarence Fernandez)
 ((marius.zaharia@thomsonreuters.com; +852 2843 6358;))