Jimmy Lai trial in Hong Kong hears evidence from ‘tortured’ witness

Lai's supporters say evidence of Andy Li should not be relied upon as it was obtained through torture

A key prosecution witness in the trial of Jimmy Lai took the stand in a Hong Kong court on Wednesday, giving evidence that the UN's special rapporteur has said could be tainted because of allegations of torture.

Andy Li, a computer programmer turned pro-democracy activist, gave evidence about his role in a crowdfunding campaign, Stand With Hong Kong, to rally support for the pro-democracy protests in 2019. The campaign, which ultimately raised more than $1.8m (1.4m), placed advertisements in several newspapers including the Guardian, the Washington Post and the Australian.