Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison for colluding with foreign forces under the city's national security law, marking the harshest punishment yet under the controversial legislation, according to BBC World. The 78-year-old's sentencing has drawn condemnation from rights groups, who called it a "death sentence," while Hong Kong's leader expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
The sentence, handed down under a law imposed by China after 2019 protests, has raised concerns about Lai's health, according to BBC World. Lai, a British citizen, is the most prominent of hundreds arrested under the law. The BBC reported from outside the court after the sentencing.
In other news, the Department of Labor's top lawyer ordered staff to cease engagement with the American Bar Association (ABA) in their official capacities, citing the organization's alleged liberal activism. Jonathan Berry, a Trump-appointed Solicitor, wrote in an email that taxpayer funds should not be used for ABA events, according to Fox News. Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton addressed the situation on Fox News, supporting the move.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a crisis following the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to Washington, with reported ties to Jeffrey Epstein, according to Fox News. This has led to resignations and unrest within the ruling Labour Party. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar became the most recent to voice concerns.
The Washington Post scrapped a planned marketing campaign using the tagline "We the People" after discovering that MSNBC had already used the same phrase, according to Fox News. The Post was set to launch the campaign to connect with America.
Finally, former President Donald Trump's plans for Venezuela's oil industry have drawn criticism, with some arguing that it revives memories of colonial exploitation and violates international law, according to the New York Times. Critics referenced the "No blood for oil!" rallying cry from the Iraq War, suggesting similar concerns about hidden motives.
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