Lai's trial, expected to last months, is one of the highest-profile prosecutions in the Hong Kong government's crackdown on opposition, and has been widely condemned by rights groups and other governments.
The 76-year-old British citizen and founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper is accused of conspiring to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, under sweeping legislation Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in 2020, and of conspiring to publish seditious material.
If convicted - a prospect observers say is likely - he faces a sentence of up to life in prison. His case will be heard. before three national security judges handpicked by the government.
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