China sanctions 11 Americans, arrests Beijing critic Jimmy Lai and his sons in Hong Kong

Hong Kong authorities broadened their enforcement of a new national security law on Monday, arresting media tycoon Jimmy Lai, searching the headquarters of his Next Digital group and carting away boxes of what they said was evidence.

In the evening, police also arrested prominent pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow Ting at her home, according to a tweet by fellow activist Nathan Law, who is currently in Britain. A post on Chow’s official Facebook page said police had arrived at her home and that her lawyers were rushing to the scene.

Two days after Chinese and Hong Kong officials shrugged off sanctions imposed on them by the U.S., the moves showed China’s determination to enforce the new law and curb dissent in the semi-autonomous city after months of massive pro-democracy demonstrations last year.

Lai’s arrest and the search of his Next Digital group marked the first time the law was used against news media, stoking fears that authorities are suppressing press freedom. Next Digital operates Apple Daily, a feisty pro-democracy tabloid that often condemns China’s Communist Party-led government.

Apple Daily’s popularity stems from its celebrity news and flamboyant stories, but it is also known for investigative reporting and breaking news coverage. It has frequently urged readers to take part in pro-democracy protests,

On July 1 it condemned the new national security law on its front page, calling it “the final nail in the coffin” for the “one country, two systems” framework under which the former British colony has been able to enjoy civil liberties not seen in mainland China after it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997.

The arrests of Lai and Chow came as Beijing announced sanctions on 11 Americans, including six members of Congress, in an escalating battle between the two nations over technology, security, trade and human rights. And in Chinese-claimed Taiwan, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar became the highest-ranking American official to visit since 1979, further straining U.S.-China relations.

Hong Kong police arrested Lai on Monday morning, an aide to the businessman said, in the highest-profile detention under the new law since it took effect on June 30. Lai, 71, is an outspoken pro-democracy figure who regularly criticizes China’s authoritarian rule and Hong Kong’s government.

Mark Simon, a Next Digital executive and Lai’s aide, said Lai was charged with collusion with foreign powers. He said police searched the homes of Lai and his son and detained several other members of the media company.

Hong Kong police said they arrested at least nine people between the ages of 23 and 72 on suspicion of violating the new security law, with offenses including collusion with a foreign country and conspiracy to defraud. They did not release the names of those arrested or provide further details of the charges.

Following Lai’s arrest, about 200 police raided Next Digital’s headquarters, cordoning off the area, searching desks and at times getting into heated exchanges with staff. What police were looking for in the building wasn’t clear, although they later said they took away 25 boxes of evidence for processing.

Lai, who was arrested at his mansion in Kowloon in the morning, was also brought to the headquarters of Next Digital, where he remained for about two and a half hours before police took him away in a car.


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[junchen]

You didn't even have the guts to call her THE PRESIDENT of Taiwan.

[chaileefong]

The arrest of Jimmy lai and those activists are long over due. Put Hong Kong back to law and order. Those who want to leave, just go, I will love to see where you are in 10 years.

[BizAutomation]

Nobody American politician should have assets in China or HK for this very reason. Those that do, should look to take them out, because eventually it will be confescated. Same thing in U.S. with high profile Chinese nationals. This is what they mean by the de-coupling of China and the U.S., but it will take years before the decoupling is complete, then there will be no mutually assured destriction but then in a way that means the chances of war go up. Strange times.

[marianshen]

If Hong Kong protesters continue NOT to respect law and order, then they can expect to be subject to fines or imprisonment for breaking the law.

[boogievideos]

Sanctions? Does this mean they can't buy from Amazon anymore?

[Photo]

'Beijing critic' sounds so poetic. Why not be honest about it, and admit he's a paid operative funded by the 'foreign nations'?

[tressiascott]

The Chinese are the ones that have money, real estate, kids studying in the USA

[Dina-izqj]

My friend chatted me last night, she said to me that all the phenomenons occured in the history of Moses vs Pharaoh in the ancient Egypt (plague, locusts swarn, continuous natural disasters, the occurence of bloody rivers and famine) has re-occured in China today..

She said according to The Holy Book, the ancient ruler of Egypt, Pharaoh (King Tut) and his army was drowned (destroyed) by God in the Red Sea and all those phenomenons above appear beforehand. This is because Pharaoh & his army denied the existence of God Almighty and persecuted the believers.

I was really surprised to hear her said that as i always believe nothing in this world ever happen merely by accident, but it happen for a reason & that it's already written in Heaven. never forget history always repeats itself, & it doesn't happen for no reason. Stay safe people🙏

[damage]

China, don't think any of what you did surprises us.. America acts knowing fully well what your going to do..oh and we know you ARE intimidated

[ns]

China should be condemned by everyone for violating basic human rights including freedoms of speech, press, voting, democracy, religion etc. Chinese militarism is also very concerning.

[fladeann]

A independent newspaper boss said, “ we need help from CIA!” What an ironic independent democracy !

[censorshipoftruth]

Psalms 9:17
[17]The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

[sovietunionjack]

People want the right to choose the leaders that make laws they must live by without that choice being bastardized by military or any other force. History says Politburo's days are numbered.

[ccanieatthat]

Still think banking, other financial and transportation companies should move to site across bridge form Singapore and create another financial center for the region.

[reallue]

I didn't know individual people could be sanctioned against

[livegoldxauusdsignal]

WTI and Brent crude prices are drifting in sideways from the last couple of days. WTI is trading a tad below $42 a barel, while Brent is stuck tad below $45.

[Yvonmoua]

China may printing US Dollar in China? why China sent a lot US drivers license to USA?

[robertwong]

What goes around comes around. Who cares about they have assets in HongKong, China or the mainland. It is just symbolic act. What you did to me, I can do the same to you. Sword has two edges.

[stephentr.]

Nice, fit for tat reaction is the most powerful diplomatic words.

[davidellis]

Fortunately, the beautiful Eunice is not sanctioned. She is very pretty !