HONG KONG – Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old founder of Hong Kong’s now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on , marking the longest sentence handed down under the city’s sweeping national security law. The ruling concludes a trial that has drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about the erosion of freedoms in the former British colony.
Lai was convicted in December on charges of collusion with foreign forces, endangering national security, and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The court stated that the 20-year sentence was justified given Lai’s role as the “mastermind” behind the alleged conspiracies, according to reports. He has already been detained for more than five years, initially on fraud charges, and this sentence will extend his imprisonment significantly.
The national security law, imposed by Beijing in , criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Critics argue that the law has been used to suppress dissent and curtail freedoms in Hong Kong, despite assurances from Chinese officials that it would only target a small number of individuals. This sentencing is widely seen as a demonstration of Beijing’s resolve to enforce the law and silence opposition voices.
Prior to this sentence, the longest term given under the national security law was 10 years, handed to activist Benny Tai in November for conspiring to subvert state power. Lai’s sentence more than doubles that, signaling a clear escalation in the severity of punishments for perceived threats to national security.
Lai’s Apple Daily was a vocal critic of the Chinese government and a staunch supporter of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong. The newspaper was forced to close in after authorities froze its assets and arrested several of its executives and journalists. The closure of Apple Daily was a significant blow to Hong Kong’s independent media landscape.
The case has attracted attention from international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously vowed to secure Lai’s release. Trump is expected to visit China in the coming months, and Lai’s supporters are reportedly lobbying him to raise the issue during his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The U.S. State Department has not yet issued a formal statement on the sentencing as of .
Lai’s family has expressed outrage at the sentence. His son, Sebastien Lai, described it as “draconian and life-threatening” for his father. His daughter, Claire Lai, called it “heartbreakingly cruel,” noting her father’s deteriorating health and the harsh conditions of his detention. She fears he may “die a martyr behind bars.”
The sentencing is likely to further galvanize international criticism of China’s human rights record and its policies towards Hong Kong. Human Rights Watch’s Asia director, Elaine Pearson, called the sentence “both cruel and profoundly unjust.” The organization and others have argued that the charges against Lai are politically motivated and violate his right to freedom of expression.
Lai, a British citizen, has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, stating that he is a “political prisoner” facing persecution from Beijing. His legal team has indicated they will appeal the sentence. The appeal process could take months, if not years, to resolve.
The implications of this sentencing extend beyond Lai’s individual case. It sends a chilling message to other journalists, activists, and pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong, potentially leading to increased self-censorship and a further decline in civic engagement. The case also raises questions about the future of Hong Kong’s autonomy and its role as an international financial center.
Lai’s outspoken criticism of Beijing, coupled with his role in founding Apple Daily, made him a prominent target for the authorities. He had frequently spoken to U.S. Officials about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong, further antagonizing the Chinese government. The court’s decision to impose a 20-year sentence underscores the risks associated with challenging Beijing’s authority in Hong Kong.
The 78-year-old Lai also suffers from pre-existing health conditions, including heart palpitations and high blood pressure, raising concerns about his ability to withstand a lengthy prison sentence. His supporters fear that the harsh conditions of his detention could exacerbate his health problems.
This sentencing represents a significant escalation in the crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong and a stark warning to those who continue to advocate for greater democracy and freedom in the city. The long-term consequences of this case remain to be seen, but the political landscape in Hong Kong has been fundamentally altered by the imposition of the national security law and the subsequent prosecution of Jimmy Lai.
