A day after being denied bail a second time, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai said he was moved by the crowds of supporters who showed up in court to wish him well.

A magistrate on Saturday denied Lai’s bail application in relation to the charge of “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security.” Lai will appear in court on April 16, when he will also answer to a separate fraud charge.

Lai’s daughter and eldest son visited him at Lai Chi Kok Detention Centre on Sunday – his 11th day in custody. Lai said he was moved by the sight of people in the courtroom shouting “Jimmy add oil, boss add oil,” according to his daughter.

“He was very grateful for everyone’s support. He was much happier than the last time I saw him,” Timothy Lai said after the 90-minute visit. “We don’t need to worry about him too much.”

Asked if Lai’s national security charges might mean that he would face trial in mainland China, his son said it was hard to tell as there was no precedent. “We need to have faith in Hong Kong. We all know what’s the worst that could happen, so we hope it won’t come to that,” he added.

Cardinal Joseph Zen, who also visited Lai to serve communion and read the Bible, said the 73-year-old was “content and doing well.”

Zen said he was worried about the effect of the national security law, but called on Hong Kong’s Catholics to pray for the city. “Prayer can help us all remain calm and do what is rational,” he said.

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