A Hong Kong court's sentencing of media tycoon Jimmy Lai to two decades in prison on national security grounds sparked global condemnation and raised concerns about the future of the city and its implications for Taiwan. Simultaneously, controversy erupted over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, with former President Donald Trump and some Republican figures criticizing the performance, leading to calls for investigations. These events, along with other developments, highlighted ongoing political tensions and controversies.
Lai's sentence, handed down on Monday, was described by his son as a "death sentence" due to Lai's age, 78, and declining health, according to Time. Critics viewed the sentence as a blow to Hong Kong's freedoms and a potential indicator of China's intentions toward Taiwan. Mark Clifford, president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, told Time, "I believe that the way that China is treating Hong Kong is the way that it wants to treat Taiwan next, and beyond that, other countries."
The Super Bowl halftime show, featuring Bad Bunny, drew criticism from Trump, who called it "absolutely terrible and an affront to the Greatness of America," as reported by Variety. Rep. Andy Ogles (R, Tenn.) called for an immediate inquiry into the NFL and NBCUniversal, according to Time. The performance was divisive, with some conservatives taking issue with the Puerto Rican singer's political statements, including his condemnation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Grammy Awards. Jimmy Kimmel also weighed in, criticizing Trump's remarks, as reported by Variety.
In other news, Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar's "Ghost in the Cell" premiered at the Berlinale Forum, using horror-comedy to expose societal corruption, according to Variety. Additionally, a US judge blocked the deportation of a Turkish student detained for criticizing her university's stance on the Gaza war, while the Trump administration considered actions that could escalate nuclear tensions, according to a multi-source report in Time. Former President Trump also threatened to obstruct the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, and new allegations against Prince Andrew were under investigation.
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