A court in Hong Kong has convicted media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai on charges he colluded with foreign governments in violation of a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing. He faces life imprisonment at a sentencing scheduled early next year. Ahead of his conviction, Lai’s family expressed alarm over his deteriorating health, including dramatic weight loss, while he was jailed in solitary confinement.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s last major opposition party has officially disbanded under pressure from Chinese authorities. Leaders of the Hong Kong Democratic Party said they were told to liquidate the organization or face severe consequences, including possible arrest. This is the party’s former chairwoman, Emily Lau.

Emily Lau: “The current political environment is getting worse and worse. Many journalists have been arrested, and many citizens are very afraid. Many people have already left Hong Kong, while many others still fear being arrested. This is the situation now. Under such circumstances, the Democratic Party is on the verge of disappearing.”