"Trial of Hong Kong Democracy Figure Jimmy Lai Sparks International Call for Release"

Hong Kong pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai, who was arrested in 2020, has finally stood trial after lengthy procedural delays. Lai, known for his anti-Beijing newspaper and activism, is charged with "collusion with foreign forces" under the national security law and could face life imprisonment if convicted. The trial is expected to last 80 days, and Lai is currently serving a separate five-year sentence for fraud. Human rights activists, as well as the United States and British governments, have criticized the charges as politically motivated.