Convicted media tycoon Jimmy Lai back in Hong Kong court to begin mitigation hearing

Convicted media tycoon Jimmy Lai back in Hong Kong court to begin mitigation hearing

"A Hong Kong court began a four-day mitigation hearing on Monday to determine the severity of the sentences for pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai and his co-defendants, following their December 2025 conviction. Footage shows a heavy police presence outside the West Kowloon Law Courts building, including armoured vehicles, while dozens of supporters can be seen queuing since before sunrise to witness the proceedings. Later, Lai’s wife can also be seen arriving at court. The hearing, overseen by a panel of three High Court judges, is the defence's final opportunity to argue for leniency before formal sentencing for charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and of publishing ‘seditious’ material. 78-year-old Lai was arrested on August 10, 2020 following the adoption of the National Security Law in July 2020. His arrest came after mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. The businessman has been held in solitary confinement for nearly four years and has been denied access to UK lawyers, according to media reports. He is a Chinese-British dual citizen - both the UK and the US have called for his release, while his supporters have accused the country of using legislation to silence critics. China introduced the national security law for Hong Kong following a wave of pro-democracy protests in 2019, with provisions including secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign or external forces. If found guilty, Lai faces a life sentence in jail."

Strings attached! Modi, Merz fly kites at Sabarmati Ashram festival as India and Germany mark 25 years of partnership

Strings attached! Modi, Merz fly kites at Sabarmati Ashram festival as India and Germany mark 25 years of partnership

"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday with a visit to Sabarmati Ashram, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi, followed by a tour of the International Kite Festival along the Sabarmati Riverfront. Footage shows Modi and Merz paying homage at the memorial before heading to the riverfront, where they were greeted by large crowds and took part in the festivities by flying kites. The two leaders are later expected to hold bilateral talks in Gandhinagar, focusing on economic and security cooperation, among other issues, according to local media. The talks are scheduled to take place at Mahatma Mandir. Merz is due to travel to Bengaluru following his visit to Ahmedabad and is expected to conclude his trip on Tuesday. The German chancellor began a two-day visit to India on Monday, his first trip to Asia since taking office in May. The visit also marks 25 years of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership, which was commemorated in May 2025."

Brilliant, battered and unkillable: Josh Allen lurches towards the Super Bowl

Brilliant, battered and unkillable: Josh Allen lurches towards the Super Bowl

The Buffalo Bills quarterback is not only a danger to opponents. His bravery and skill inspires his teammates to elevate their play Two things about the NFL playoffs are predictable: Josh Allen will play out of his skin ... and Josh Allen will suffer a soul-sucking, stupefying loss. Except, maybe, this year. We all know about the postseason heartbreaks and shortfalls over the years for Allen and the Buffalo Bills. In each season since 2019, Buffalo’s ride has ended in either the divisional or conference championship round, usually at the hands of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. But with no dominant team coming out of the regular season and no Mahomes this postseason, maybe it’s time for Allen and the Bills to finally capture the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy. Continue reading...