Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison on national security charges
A Hong Kong court sentenced Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, to 20 years in prison on Monday for two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials. The 78-year-old British citizen was first arrested in August 2020 and convicted late last year. The sentence falls within the most severe penalty range of 10 years to life for offenses deemed of a "grave nature," with the court describing Lai as the "mastermind" and driving force behind the foreign collusion conspiracies.
Lai has denied all charges, stating in court that he is a "political prisoner" facing persecution from Beijing. He arrived at court in a white jacket, making a praying gesture and waving to supporters. Dozens of supporters queued for days to attend, amid heavy police presence including sniffer dogs, armored vehicles, and a bomb disposal unit. One supporter, a 64-year-old man named Sum, called Lai "the conscience of Hong Kong" for speaking out on democracy and wrongful cases.
Lai suffers from health issues including heart palpitations and high blood pressure, leading his family, lawyers, and supporters to warn that the sentence could amount to a life term or effectively a death sentence. Elaine Pearson, Asia Director of Human Rights Watch, described the sentence as "cruel and profoundly unjust." Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said it represented the "final nail in the coffin for freedom of the press in Hong Kong."
The case has drawn international criticism. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer raised Lai's case with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month, calling for his release. U.S. President Donald Trump also raised it with Xi last October. Ariana News reported that six former Apple Daily staffers, an activist, and a paralegal will also be sentenced, while Pajhwok reported that co-defendants received terms ranging from six years and three months to 10 years.
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