"On Monday, Hong Kong's High Court found Lai guilty on three charges in his national security trial, a ruling condemned by rights groups as a decisive blow to press freedom in the Chinese financial hub. list of 4 itemsend of list Prosecutors accused Lai of orchestrating conspiracies to encourage foreign governments to take action against Hong Kong or China, and of publishing material that excited disaffection against Chinese authorities. Lai pleaded not guilty and now faces a possible life sentence following his guilty verdict."
"Lai pleaded not guilty and now faces a possible life sentence following his guilty verdict. I spoke to President Xi about it, and I asked to consider his release, Trump told reporters on Monday, without saying when he made the request to Xi. He's an older man, and he's not well. So I did put that request out. We'll see what happens, Trump said."
"Shortly after Trump's comments on Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the verdict underscored Beijing's determination to suppress dissent. Rubio said the conviction showed China's resolve to silence those who seek to protect freedom of speech and other fundamental rights. Lai founded the now-defunct pro-democracy tabloid newspaper Apple Daily and became one of the most prominent pro-democracy figures targeted under Hong Kong's national security law. Reports indicate that Mr. Lai's health has severely deteriorated during more than 1,800 days in prison, Rubio said in the statement."
Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was found guilty on three national security charges and now faces a possible life sentence after pleading not guilty. Prosecutors accused him of orchestrating conspiracies to encourage foreign governments to act against Hong Kong or China and of publishing material that excited disaffection against Chinese authorities. United States President Donald Trump said he personally asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider releasing the 78-year-old, citing concern for Lai's health. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the verdict underscored Beijing's determination to suppress dissent and urged an end to Lai's ordeal. Lai founded the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, which has since closed.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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