Global Courant
HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Court of Appeal on Monday blocked imprisoned media mogul Jimmy Lai’s bid to challenge a national security police warrant to investigate the contents of his mobile phones in the city’s highest court.
Lai, 75, founder of the now-closed pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, will face three charges in September under the city’s sweeping national security law, including conspiracy with foreign troops. He also faces charges under Britain’s colonial-era sedition law.
He is one of the most prominent critics of the Chinese Communist Party in Hong Kong, including President Xi Jinping.
Lai lost an attempt to end his national security trial in May. He could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
Beijing imposed national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 after months of anti-government protests. The law punishes acts such as subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorism with life sentences.
Critics say the law is part of Beijing’s effort to end dissent and freedoms guaranteed to the city for 50 years when it was handed over to China from British rule in 1997.