Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong earlier this year after stormy protests in 2019 that started over an extradition bill and expanded to include demands for greater democracy in the former British colony. The new law outlaws secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces to intervene in Hong Kong’s affairs. Lai, the highest-profile person charged under the security law, has also been arrested for other alleged offenses this year. He has been charged with taking part in unauthorized protests and with fraud over alleged violations of office lease terms. Pence also tweeted about Lai, saying the charges against him are “an affront to freedom loving people around everywhere.”Copyright 2020 The Associated Press.

Source: Daily Sun December 12, 2020 08:37 UTC