Hong Kong court refuses to drop Jimmy Lai's sedition charge

HONG KONG: A Hong Kong court on Friday rejected an application by jailed pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai to throw out a charge of seditious publication, as his national security trial entered its early stages.

The trial began Monday for Lai, who is charged with "collusion" with foreign forces under a Beijing-imposed national security law, which can send him to prison for life.

He also stands charged with "conspiracy to produce seditious material" -- an offence under a colonial-era law -- which is considered a less serious charge as it carries a shorter jail sentence if convicted.

Lai's lawyers earlier argued that the sedition charge should be tossed out as the prosecution was started too late, contrary to Hong Kong criminal procedure.

"We are of the view the charge is not time-barred, so the application of the defence must fail," Judge Esther Toh ruled on Friday morning.

The case has been adjourned to January 2, when Lai is expected to make his formal plea to the charges.