Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to , , 2026, to 20 years in prison, marking the longest sentence handed down under the city’s national security law. The ruling concludes a high-profile case that has drawn international scrutiny and is widely seen as a significant escalation in Beijing’s crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.
The sentencing, delivered by Hong Kong’s High Court, follows Lai’s conviction in on charges of collusion with foreign forces, endangering national security, and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The 78-year-old Lai, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has been detained for over five years, initially on fraud charges.
The court stated that the 20-year sentence was justified given the “serious and grave criminal conduct” of Lai. This surpasses the previous longest sentence under the national security law – a 10-year term given to activist Benny Tai in 2024 for conspiring to subvert state power.
Lai’s case has become a symbol of the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong since the imposition of the national security law in . The law, enacted by Beijing in response to the large-scale pro-democracy protests of , criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Critics argue that it has been used to suppress dissent and stifle freedom of speech and the press.
Apple Daily, known for its outspoken criticism of Beijing and advocacy for democratic reforms, was forced to shut down in following a series of raids and arrests of its staff. Lai himself was repeatedly arrested and charged under the national security law.
The sentencing has prompted condemnation from international human rights organizations. Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, described the sentence as “both cruel and profoundly unjust.” The ruling is expected to further fuel concerns about the state of human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, called the sentence “draconian” and “life-threatening” for his father. His daughter, Claire, described it as “heartbreakingly cruel,” expressing fears for his health given his deteriorating condition while in detention.
The case has also attracted attention from Western governments. US President Donald Trump, who is expected to visit China in the coming months, has previously vowed to “get him out,” raising the possibility of the issue being raised during diplomatic talks. Many of Lai’s supporters are expected to lobby Trump to advocate for his release.
Jimmy Lai’s journey from a garment factory worker to a media mogul is a notable one. He built his fortune through the Giordano clothing chain before founding Apple Daily, which quickly became a leading voice for democracy in Hong Kong. He was a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement, supporting protests and advocating for greater autonomy from Beijing.
Lai’s outspokenness and his newspaper’s critical coverage of the Chinese government made him a target for Beijing. He frequently spoke to US officials about the situation in Hong Kong, further antagonizing the authorities.
The 20-year sentence effectively means Lai will not be eligible for parole until he is in his late 90s, raising serious questions about whether he will ever be released from prison. The case is likely to have a chilling effect on other journalists and activists in Hong Kong, further limiting freedom of expression and dissent.
The sentencing of Jimmy Lai represents a significant turning point in Hong Kong’s political landscape. It underscores the extent to which Beijing is willing to suppress dissent and consolidate its control over the city, despite international criticism. The case will undoubtedly continue to be a focal point of international concern and a symbol of the challenges facing Hong Kong’s freedoms.
