Hong Kong Democracy Activist Jimmy Lai Denied Bail

Enlarge this image

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai is pictured as he arrived at a magistrate court this spring. Lai was arrested this month for violating a new national security law.

Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

hide caption

toggle caption

Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

Asia
5 Takeaways From China’s Hong Kong National Security Law

Lai has publicly commemorated the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, and has encouraged his followers to fight for the end of one-party rule in Hong Kong. «Yes, it’ll be dangerous,» he tweeted last month. «But let us not be afraid and fight on! The greater the danger, the more effective we can arouse the world attention.»

Lai has already been arrested multiple times this year for his involvement in demonstrations against China’s communist party. His case has gained international attention, sparking comments by prominent U.S. politicians. Vice President Mike Pence said on Twitter that the charges against Lai «are an affront to freedom loving people» everywhere. Pence called Lai a «hero» who has stood up for democracy and the rights of Hong Kong residents, adding: «#FreeJimmyLai.»

«Hong Kong’s National Security Law makes a mockery of justice,» Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted. Lai’s only «crime» was «speaking the truth about the Chinese Communist Party’s authoritarianism and fear of freedom,» Pompeo said, urging charges be dropped.

• democracy
• Hong Kong