The prosecution of the 74\u002Dyear\u002Dold tycoon has fanned growing concern about press freedom in the once free\u002Dwheeling former British colony
Lai made false statements to a landlord about certain business activities, in violation of a special-purpose lease, Judge Stanley Chan said in District Court on Tuesday. Chan set a sentencing hearing for Nov. 24.Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion delivered straight to your inbox at 7 a.m., Monday to Friday.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
He is already serving 20 months in prison for his role in unauthorized assemblies during 2019 anti-government protests. The pro-democracy activist also faces four charges under the city’s China-drafted national security law, including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. Only two defendants have fought security law charges at trial. Both have been convicted and handed sentences as long as nine years in prison, illustrating the high stakes for those who challenge the government.Article content