Canada condemns Jimmy Lai’s conviction in Hong Kong, calls for his release

Hong Kong's High Court has convicted 78-year-old media mogul and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai in a landmark trial, potentially facing a life sentence for national security offenses, including collusion with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. The trial was conducted without a jury, raising significant concerns about judicial independence in Hong Kong.

A report from Canada's Integrated Threat Assessment Centre, obtained by Global News, indicates that while there are no credible threats to Jewish holiday events in Canada, an attack remains a 'realistic possibility.' This assessment highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety during significant cultural celebrations.

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old pro-democracy media mogul in Hong Kong, was convicted on national security charges, including conspiracy to publish seditious material and collusion with foreign forces. The verdict, delivered by a court without a jury, has drawn international condemnation from governments and rights organizations, highlighting concerns over the erosion of democracy and press freedom in the territory.

Blaise Metreweli, the new head of MI6, has warned that Britain is currently in a precarious position between peace and war, exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence and other technologies. In her inaugural speech, she criticized Russia for its insincerity regarding Ukraine peace negotiations while making limited references to China amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

A recent study indicates that glaciers in the European Alps are projected to reach their peak rate of extinction in eight years, with over 100 glaciers expected to melt away permanently by 2033. This trend is mirrored in the western US and Canada, where more than 800 glaciers are anticipated to disappear annually by the end of the decade.

An estimated 6,000 nurses from Ghana left for positions in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia in 2024, highlighting a significant trend of emigration among medical professionals. Bright Ansah, a nursing officer in Accra, notes that many colleagues signal their departure through their WhatsApp statuses, indicating a shift towards better opportunities abroad.

Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy media mogul in Hong Kong, has been convicted of national security and sedition offences, facing a potential life sentence. This ruling is one of the most significant since the city's return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, with rights groups labeling it a 'sham conviction' that undermines press freedom.

Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy media mogul in Hong Kong, has been convicted in a high-profile national security trial for lobbying foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. The trial, which was conducted without a jury, has raised serious concerns regarding judicial independence and media freedom in the region.