Publisher, two politicians charged over Hong Kong protests.

Islamabad: Outspoken Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai and two prominent opposition politicians were charged ON Friday with illegal assembly over a pro-democracy march last year as the territory's Beijing-backed government appeared to move to settle scores over the protests.

The months of demonstrations calling for reforms in semi-autonomous Hong Kong crippled its economy and put its leaders and police force under unprecedented pressure.

Lai was picked up from his home by police officers early Friday, while former pro-democracy legislator Yeung Sum and former legislator and vice chairman of the Labour Party, Lee Cheuk-yan, were also arrested.

Well, the Hong Kong situation is getting tense here, but we have to go on, we have to go on, Lai told reporters after speaking with officers. The three left...