Jimmy Lai, the Catholic publisher and democracy activist, faces new criminal charges for violation of Hong Kong’s national-security law.

Lai appeared in court on May 18 to answer charges of conspiring with “foreign elements” and sedition. If convicted he could face life imprisonment.

Lai has been jailed since December 2020. Although he expected his arrest, he refused to leave Hong Kong, choosing to take a stand against the crackdown on dissent.