Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Arrested on suspicion of breaching national security law

Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and six others were arrested Monday morning on suspicion of breaching the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, according to Hong Kong police and local media.

At least seven suspects aged from 39 to 72 were arrested on suspicion of collusion with foreign forces and conspiracy to commit fraud and sedition, said the Hong Kong Police Force.

Hong Kong media said Jimmy Lai, an instigator of Hong Kong riots, was among those arrested.

This is the third time for Lai to be arrested by the Hong Kong police. On Feb. 28, Lai, together with other two, were arrested for violating Hong Kong's Public Order Ordinance by participating in an unauthorized assembly between Wan Chai area and Central area on Aug. 31, 2019, thus were jointly charged with the count of "knowingly participating in unauthorized assembly."

In addition, Lai, also suspected of violating Hong Kong's Crimes Ordinance by verbally intimidating a man during an assembly on June 4, 2017 in the Eastern District on Hong Kong Island, was charged with the count of "criminal intimidation."

For the case of criminal intimidation, the court granted Lai bail pending trial. He was prohibited from leaving Hong Kong and was required to report to the police station every week. He was also arrested on April 18 along side with 14 others for violating the Public Order Ordinance by organizing and taking part in the unauthorized assemblies last year.