Jimmy Lai among eight more Hong Kong democracy activists jailed

13 Sept 12:36 Key points summarised by AI

Eight Hong Kong democracy activists, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai, received new prison sentences for their involvement in an unauthorized protest on October 1, 2019.
Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 14 months for organizing the unlawful assembly, bringing his total jail time to 20 months across multiple protest convictions.
These sentences are part of China's broader, relentless campaign to suppress dissent and dismantle Hong Kong's democracy movement, intensified since the 2019 protests and the implementation of a national security law.
Despite the new jail terms, activists like Figo Chan and Lee Cheuk-yan expressed defiance, stating their actions were necessary to voice public dissatisfaction with the government.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Yesterday 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.