Hong Kong – A Hong Kong court on sentenced Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, to 20 years in prison. The sentence concludes a high-profile case that has drawn international scrutiny and is widely seen as a significant blow to press freedom and pro-democracy activism in the territory.
Lai was convicted in December following a 156-day trial on charges of collusion with foreign forces, endangering national security, and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The charges stemmed from articles published in Apple Daily and Lai’s alleged calls for foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region stated in its ruling that, considering the “totality principle” and the seriousness of Lai’s conduct, a 20-year sentence was justified. Here’s the longest sentence handed down under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020, surpassing the 10-year term given to activist Benny Tai in November 2024.
The sentencing is expected to intensify criticism from human rights organizations and Western governments, who have already condemned Lai’s conviction and the broader application of the National Security Law. The law, enacted in response to the 2019 pro-democracy protests, has been criticized for its broad scope and its impact on civil liberties in Hong Kong.
Benedict Rogers, co-founder and chair of the Trustees of Hong Kong Watch, described the sentencing as a “very dark day” for Hong Kong. Today is a very dark day — for Jimmy Lai and his family, for his friends, supporters and advocates worldwide, and for all who cherished the rights and freedoms that were once enjoyed by Hong Kongers, but are now dismantled by the draconian National Security Law imposed on the city by Beijing,
Rogers said in a statement. He further asserted that the trial was predetermined
and never fair or just
, lacking the common-law protections previously central to Hong Kong’s judicial system.
Jimmy Lai’s trajectory has become emblematic of Hong Kong’s changing political landscape. He built a successful media empire with Apple Daily, a newspaper known for its pro-democracy stance and critical coverage of Beijing. The paper served as a platform for dissenting voices and played a significant role in galvanizing support for the 2019 protests, which were initially triggered by a controversial extradition bill.
Lai has been in police custody since the summer of 2020, and was already serving a separate prison term on fraud charges. His continued detention and now lengthy sentence underscore the increasingly restrictive environment for dissent in Hong Kong. The case has raised concerns about the erosion of the “one country, two systems” framework, which was intended to guarantee Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy following its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
The international community has repeatedly expressed concerns about the impact of the National Security Law on Hong Kong’s freedoms. Critics argue that the law has been used to suppress dissent, stifle independent media, and undermine the rule of law. The sentencing of Jimmy Lai is likely to further fuel those concerns and prompt calls for greater international pressure on Beijing to uphold its commitments to Hong Kong’s autonomy.
Reporters Without Borders issued a statement condemning the sentence, stating that Today, the curtain falls on press freedom in Hong Kong…
The organization emphasized that the decision underscores the complete collapse of press freedom in Hong Kong and the authorities’ profound contempt for independent journalism.
Human Rights Watch also described the sentence as both cruel and profoundly unjust
, suggesting it was effectively a death sentence
given Lai’s age and existing health concerns.
A supporter speaking outside the court, as reported by the BBC, revealed that Lai had previously expressed a desire to find meaning in imprisonment, but acknowledged concerns about his deteriorating health. The supporter noted that Lai had cancelled appointments with his daughter, Claire, due to illness, highlighting the physical toll of his prolonged detention.
The case of Jimmy Lai is not merely a legal matter; It’s a potent symbol of the broader struggle for democracy and freedom of expression in Hong Kong. His sentencing represents a significant escalation in Beijing’s crackdown on dissent and raises serious questions about the future of the territory’s autonomy and its role as a global financial and media hub.
This is a developing story.
