Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon denied bail

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was remanded into custody yesterday after being charged with fraud, the latest in a string of prosecutions brought against high-profile Beijing critics and democracy campaigners.  Lai, 73, is the owner of Hong Kong's best-selling Apple Daily, a popular tabloid that is unashamedly pro-democracy and fiercely critical of authorities. China's clampdown on Hong Kong has dramatically accelerated since it imposed its sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and dozens of activists charged or investigated. On Wednesday, three prominent young democracy campaigners -- including Joshua Wong -- were jailed for taking part in last year's democracy protests.

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