Government 'requests Urgent Hearing Over Jimmy Lai'

Government prosecutors on Thursday reportedly filed for an urgent hearing at Hong Kong's top court in a bid to return the pro-democracy activist and media tycoon Jimmy Lai to jail.

On Wednesday, Lai was released on HK$10 million bail by the High Court. Among his bail conditions, he must remain at home, not meet foreign officials or use social media.

The 73-year-old had been behind bars since December 3 when he appeared in court over a fraud charge, linked to the business use of Next Digital's headquarters in Tseung Kwan O.

On December 12 he was again denied bail after being charged, under the national security law, of colluding with foreign powers.

In the filing, the acting deputy director of public prosecutions, Anthony Chau, reportedly said he would be available to attend a hearing at any time over the holiday period.

The High Court on Wednesday rejected a request by the Department of Justice to take the case to the Court of Final Appeal.