Overseas figures refute allegations in Hong Kong security trial for Jimmy Lai

Several overseas activists, right campaigners and politicians named in a national security trial for Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai refuted allegations levelled by a government prosecutor in court that they colluded with him.
Lai, 76, founder of now-shuttered pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and a leading critic of the Chinese Communist Party, faces two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces – including calling for sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials – under a China-imposed national security law.
He is also charged with conspiracy to publish seditious publications.
Before the trial opened, a supporter shouted “hang in there” to Lai, as he sat inside a glass dock surrounded by prison guards.
Prosecutor Anthony Chau on Wednesday presented dozens of news clippings of Apple Daily, including news reports of a speech by Lai and commentaries that were critical of China.
Chau also cited Apple Daily interviews with frontline pro-democracy activists and anti-government advertisements.