THE STANDARD LETTERS The Chinese government has been accused of using cases against Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists to muzzle political opposition. In a report, the New York Times said activists, academics and others are increasingly wary of speaking to the foreign news media in Hong Kong. The authorities in the city have been aided in their crackdown by both the security law and more assertive use of what was already on the books. Recently, Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders were sentenced to jail for violation of the National Security Law. KEEP READING Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who pleaded guilty to one crime of organising unapproved assembly, was sentenced to 14 months in prison. Nine others are sentenced to between 14-36 months in prison by Hong Kong District Court on Friday, reported Dimsum Daily.