Is speaking out the bravest thing you can do? The owner and editors of a pro-democracy paper in Hong Kong have been sent to prison. Some say they are part of a global story.
Democracy activist jailed for 20 years
Arrested: Lai has already been in prison for more than five years, after he was arrested in 2020. Glossary
Metaphorically - In a symbolic or figurative way, not literally. Describing something by comparison or image, rather than as a physical fact.
Democracy - A system of government based on the idea of rule by the people.
Hong Kong - Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China, after the territory was handed over by the UK in 1997. It sits just off the coast of southern China, and is densely populated.
Colony - An area or country under the control of another nation.
Tear gas - A chemical irritant used by police or military to cause tearing of the eyes, coughing, and discomfort in order to disperse crowds.
Pretext - An excuse or reason given for something that is not the real reason.
Persecution - Ill treatment and oppression, especially due to a person's beliefs or race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or other factors.
ICE - In the USA, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
Human Rights Watch - A charity based in New York. It was awarded the 1997 Nobel peace prize for its part in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.
Detained - Held in official custody.