Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested

Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong democracy activist and media tycoon, is the most high-profile person detained to date under China’s controversial security law

1948: Jimmy Lai born in Guangzhou to wealthy family that lost everything when communists
took power in 1949

1960: Smuggled into Hong Kong as stowaway on fishing boat at age 12. Finds work as child labourer in textile factory

1974: Sets up successful garment business, manufacturing sweaters for major U.S. retailers
     
1981: Launches fashion brand Giordano 

1989: Tiananmen Square massacre spurs Lai to move into publishing

1990: Establishes Next Media, writing columns critical of Beijing in Next Magazine

1995: After China retaliates by shutting Giordano stores on mainland, Lai launches popular pro-democracy titles including widely-read Apple Daily newspaper

Early 2020: Twice arrested on charges of illegal assembly relating to 2019 anti-government protests

Jul: China labels Lai as “traitor” after he meets U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at White House

Aug 10: Hong Kong police arrest Lai, 72, and at least eight others on suspicion
of violating security law


Sources: Reuters, BBC, Straits Times 
Pictures: Getty Images
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