HONG KONG (AP) — The trial of media mogul and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai began on Monday in Hong Kong, with heavy security and numerous supporters present at the courthouse. Lai, 76, is facing charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, and conspiring to publish seditious material. If convicted, he faces the possibility of a life sentence.

Lai, the founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, arrived at the West Kowloon Court in a Correctional Services van. The trial is expected to last for several months and is being overseen by three national security judges appointed by the government.

A large police presence was noticeable outside the courthouse, in anticipation of potential protests. Lai’s supporters, including members of the public and rights groups, gathered outside the court to show their solidarity and demand his release.

Lai has been imprisoned since December 2020 and is currently serving a five-year sentence on fraud charges, which his supporters claim are politically motivated. He was also charged with national security law violations in August 2020, leading to his current trial.

The imposition of the national security law by Beijing in June 2020, with the approval of the Hong Kong government, has led to hundreds of arrests and widespread condemnation from rights groups and foreign governments. Critics have raised concerns that the law is being used to suppress dissent and silence pro-democracy voices in the region.

The trial of Jimmy Lai is seen as a significant test of the authority’s handling of national security cases, and has drawn international attention and criticism. The UK government, as well as the US State Department, have condemned the trial and called for Lai’s release. Despite the mounting criticism, Hong Kong authorities appear determined to proceed with the trial without compromise.

In summary, the trial of Jimmy Lai, which began on Monday in Hong Kong, has drawn significant attention and condemnation from international governments and human rights groups. Lai’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse, while the authorities maintain their stance on the implementation of the national security law. Is presence of heavyweight government and police presence in fornt of the court house demonstrators from national and international origin have raised banners to show their belief in Lai’s innocene.