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Jimmy Lai Found Guilty of Violating the National Security Law on December 15

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On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was found guilty in court of two counts of conspiring with foreign forces and one count of conspiring to publish seditious materials under the Hong Kong National Security Law.

The trial was heard by three designated judges, beginning in December 2023 and lasting approximately 156 days, with all closing arguments concluded by August 2025.

The case involved Lai and three related companies of Apple Daily, charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to print seditious publications. Lai was first arrested in August 2020 for allegedly violating the National Security Law, with multiple court appearances and detention since then, totaling over five years in custody. The trial commenced in December 2023 and spanned around 156 days of evidence presentation and closing arguments. The prosecution submitted 161 articles, social media content, and communications with foreign individuals as evidence. Lai testified extensively, denying all charges and claiming his actions were protected under freedom of speech.

The prosecution argued that Lai was the mastermind, colluding with US officials and other foreign parties to request sanctions and reach agreements, while using programs and articles to spread seditious messages and encourage protest. The defense emphasized that Apple Daily, as a media organization, was exercising journalistic oversight, publicly expressing political viewpoints and supporting freedom of speech, which should not constitute conspiracy. They also argued that Lai’s appeals to foreign entities did not explicitly request sanctions, and the allegedly seditious content represented a very small portion of the overall publications, making it difficult to prove incitement.

Other former Apple Daily executives, journalists, and assistants involved in the case have pleaded guilty or are awaiting trial for related charges. Lai’s health significantly deteriorated during long-term detention, prompting his legal team to raise concerns with the court. Although Lai was found guilty, sentencing is scheduled for a later hearing, expected around January 2026, and the specific sentence has not yet been announced.

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Pro-Trump Brazilian Influencer Arrested by U.S. ICE

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The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Brazilian right-wing influencer Júnior Pena in New Jersey. Pena had long publicly supported U.S. President Donald Trump’s hardline policies on illegal immigration.

Pena has lived in the U.S. since 2009. Over the years, he not only endorsed Trump’s policies but also criticized Brazilian leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and commented on political developments in Brazil and Latin America. On social media, Pena presented his content from an immigrant perspective and promoted Trump’s immigration crackdown, repeatedly telling Brazilian immigrants not to panic, claiming that only criminals are targeted and law-abiding immigrants had nothing to fear. Critics now view his own detention as an ironic “case of poetic justice.”

The detention occurred on January 31, when Pena was taken to the Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey. According to friends and his lawyer, the arrest stemmed from Pena failing to appear at a court hearing related to his immigration process. Although his lawyer submitted the necessary documents to prevent his transfer to another state facility, procedural errors still resulted in the execution of the detention order. Friends emphasize that Pena had no formal deportation order, and his immigration status was previously legal.

The case has sparked heated reactions in Brazilian online communities. Some mocked him for supporting Trump’s immigration policies only to become a target himself, while others prayed for him and shared updates on social media. As of now, Pena’s lawyer is working through legal channels to resolve the detention and court hearing issues.

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German Chancellor Merz Discusses “Shared Nuclear Umbrella” with European Allies

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On January 29, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany is conducting preliminary discussions with European allies to explore the possibility of establishing a “shared European nuclear umbrella” in response to the changing global security landscape and nuclear threats.

In his policy report, Merz used unusually strong language to describe Europe facing a “harsh cold wind” in a new world order of intensified great power competition. He stressed that Europe can no longer rely solely on the U.S. nuclear deterrent and must take active control of its own security. He reaffirmed that Germany will continue to comply with the Two Plus Four Treaty and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and will not possess nuclear weapons. The proposal is not intended to replace NATO but to complement the U.S. nuclear-sharing arrangements, focusing initial discussions on integrating French and British resources.

The proposal has sparked intense debate in Germany. Supporters argue it is a necessary step toward “European strategic autonomy,” while opponents worry it could trigger an arms race and question whether France would be willing to share nuclear command authority. Thomas Roewekamp, chair of the Bundestag Defense Committee, added that while Germany lacks warheads, its technological capabilities in delivery systems and military cooperation make it a key player in a European nuclear program.

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Starmer suggests Prince Andrew testify to US Congress

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The BBC reports that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested that former royal, stripped of his titles, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, should testify before the US Congress regarding documents, photos, and communications related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Recently released documents and photos show interactions and meetings between Andrew and Epstein, including some concerning images. BBC Verify has confirmed that parts of the interior and other images match Epstein’s New York mansion, implying a connection to past cases.

Starmer stated that anyone holding key information should consider testifying in Congress, especially from the victims’ perspective, to ensure full transparency of evidence. These recommendations follow the release of a batch of documents including historical communications and photos, though Andrew himself denies any wrongdoing.

Other newly revealed documents include communications and financial transactions involving other individuals, some of whom deny wrongdoing or claim the situation has been exaggerated.

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