Hong Kong, Dec 12 (TIWN) Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was on Friday charged with foreign collusion under the controversial national security law imposed by China on the city.

The charge represents the gravest legal danger yet for Lai, who has become a frequent target of the Hong Kong government and its Communist Party backers in Beijing.  The founder of Next Digital was also arrested last April for allegedly organizing illegal protests against Beijing's encroachment on Hong Kong. Lai was arrested again with several other individuals — including both his sons — in August, this time under suspicion of violating the national security law. Lai did not face a formal charge at that time and was soon released on bail.  This time, though, he has little hope of such a quick release.  Lai was taken into custody again earlier this month, along with several senior colleagues at Next Digital, for allegedly violating the terms of their office building's lease. And a judge, deeming Lai a flight risk, denied him bail and all but ensured that one of Hong Kong's wealthiest men will be behind bars at least until next April.