Hong Kong Lai Verdict Awaits After Security Trial Ends
- The trial of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, the 76-year-old founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, concluded on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with judges beginning deliberations on multiple charges...
- The National Security Law, imposed by Beijing in June 2020, criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces.
- Apple Daily, founded by Lai in 1995, was a popular tabloid known for its pro-democracy stance and critical coverage of the Chinese government.
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Jimmy Lai Awaits Verdict in Landmark Hong Kong National Security Case
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Published August 28, 2025, at 5:42 PM JST
Case Summary: The Charges against Jimmy Lai
The trial of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, the 76-year-old founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, concluded on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with judges beginning deliberations on multiple charges under Hong Kong’s National Security Law. Lai faces charges of collusion with foreign forces, conspiracy to commit subversion, and sedition. The prosecution alleges that Lai used his media platform to call for sanctions against Hong Kong and mainland China, and to advocate for greater autonomy, actions they claim threaten national security. Lai has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The National Security Law, imposed by Beijing in June 2020, criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Critics argue the law has been used to suppress dissent and erode freedoms in Hong Kong, violating the “one country, two systems” framework established when the UK handed over sovereignty to China in 1997.
Timeline of Events
- June 30, 2020: The National Security Law takes effect in Hong Kong.
- August 10, 2020: Jimmy Lai is arrested under the National Security Law.
- December 2020: Lai is denied bail and remains in custody.
- February 2023: the trial begins, overseen by three judges designated under the National Security Law – Justices Esther Toh Luen-wan, Alex Lee Wan-tang, and Johnny Chan Wing-lin. The trial is notable for the absence of a jury, a departure from Hong Kong’s common law tradition.
- August 28, 2025: Closing arguments conclude, and judges begin deliberations.
The Apple Daily Shutdown and its Significance
Apple Daily, founded by Lai in 1995, was a popular tabloid known for its pro-democracy stance and critical coverage of the Chinese government. Following Lai’s arrest and the freezing of the newspaper’s assets,Apple Daily was forced to cease operations on June 24,2021. The shutdown of Apple Daily was widely condemned by international media organizations and human rights groups as a blow to press freedom in Hong Kong. the newspaper’s digital archives have been largely removed from public access.
Prior to its closure, Apple Daily had a daily circulation of approximately 400,000 copies, making it one of the most widely read newspapers in Hong Kong. Its online presence was also substantial, reaching a broad audience through its website and social media channels.
International Reaction and Concerns
The case against Jimmy Lai has drawn significant international attention and condemnation. The United States government has repeatedly called for his release, citing concerns about the erosion of human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. In July 2023,the U.S. imposed sanctions on several Chinese and Hong Kong officials allegedly involved in the suppression of dissent. U.S.