Pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow and Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai walked out of police stations late on Tuesday and early on Wednesday as they were granted police bail in a national security case.

Chow left Tai Po police station shortly after 11pm, about 24 hours after she was arrested at her home nearby on suspicion of collusion with foreign forces

She told the waiting media that she had to hand over her SAR passport and pay HK$200,000 in bail. She's been told to report back to police on September 1.

"I would say that it's very obvious that the regime and the government are using the National Security Law to suppress political dissidents," she said.

"I hope that more people can keep an eye on the situation of Hong Kong, and I hope that Hongkongers shall not give up."

She said the accusation related to social media posts, but could not say which posts or which networks they are said to have appeared on.

Lai left Mong Kok police station shortly after midnight, declining to talk to reporters as he walked to a waiting car. Well-wishers held copies of his newspaper and shouted "support Apple Daily" as he left.

Several other Next Media executives and Jimmy Lai's two sons were also released on police bail.
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Last updated: 2020-08-12 HKT 10:07