He is the highest profile.

Pro democracy activists have been charged under the city's new national security law on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces.

An immediate appeal by the prosecution was denied by the city's high court.

Lie is one of the financial hubs most ardent critics of Beijing.

His next media group is considered one of the key remaining bastions of media freedom.

The 73 year old was arrested in August when about 200 police officers raided the newsroom of his Apple Daily tabloid, in custody since the 30 December lie is also charged with fraud related to the lease of a building that houses the newspaper.

The security law punishes what Beijing broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail.

It has been condemned by the Western human rights groups as a tool to crush dissent in the semiautonomous Chinese ruled city, which has seen months of sometimes violent anti government protests.

Under the new law, the onus is on the defendant to prove they would not be a national security threat if released on bail rather than on the prosecution to prove its case while on bail, Lie will not be allowed to meet foreign officials, give interviews, published any articles or post on social media.

He'll also have to remain at home on surrender, his travel documents, protection, even the business.