Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Thursday on charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces, marking the harshest penalty handed down since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on the territory in 2020.
The 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper received the sentence from three government-appointed national security judges.
For observers and media watchdogs, the trial symbolizes Hong Kong's rapidly shrinking space for free speech. Editorial boards at major U.S. publications, includingThe Wall Street Journal, noted the verdict serves as a stark signal from Beijing to Taiwan regarding life under Communist rule.
The Verdict and Sentencing
Lai, who smiled and waved to supporters as he entered the heavily guarded courtroom, was convicted in a trial held without a jury.
The three judges — Esther Toh, Susana D'Almada Remedios, and Alex Lee — ruled that between 2019 and 2021, Lai used his media empire to request foreign entities to impose sanctions or engage in hostile actions against Hong Kong and China.
Lai was convicted on two counts of colluding with foreign forces and one count of attempting to publish seditious publications.
Because the judges deemed Lai the "mastermind" behind a "carefully planned" operation, they set a high sentencing starting point, ultimately handing down a concurrent 20-year term.
Lai is already serving a separate two-year sentence for fraud. With good behavior, he could be released around 2037 at the age of 90; otherwise, his sentence would conclude in 2044 when he would be 96.
Several former Apple Daily executives and related individuals also received lengthy prison terms, ranging from six to ten years.
"A Dark Day" for Justice
Sebastien Lai, Jimmy Lai's son,immediately condemned the verdict, expressing deep anguish over his father's deteriorating health, which includes diabetes and high blood pressure.
"My father feels fear like any human being. He fears never seeing his family again, he fears dying alone," Sebastien Lai said in a statement, calling the verdict the "complete collapse of Hong Kong's legal system."
Despite Lai holding British citizenship since 1996, Hong Kong authorities do not recognize dual nationality and have repeatedly denied British consular access.
Sebastien Lai expressed frustration over the UK's diplomatic approach, calling Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent pursuit of a UK-China visa-free agreement "tone-deaf" while his father remains imprisoned.
Global Backlash vs. Official Praise
The 20-year sentence triggered swift condemnation from Western governments and international organizations.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the ruling an "appalling" and politically motivated prosecution that amounts to a life sentence for the 78-year-old.
In the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the sentence "unjust and tragic," urging humanitarian parole.
U.S. media outlets, includingThe Washington Post, have urged President Donald Trump to use his planned April visit to China to pressure Chinese President Xi Jinping to allow for Lai's medical release or exile.
Conversely, authorities in Hong Kong and mainland China celebrated the ruling.Hong Kong Chief Executive John Leecalled the 20-year sentence "satisfying," accusing Lai of poisoning citizens and glorifying violence.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended the sentence, stating that safeguarding national security is "beyond reproach." He warned foreign nations not to interfere with Hong Kong's judiciary or China's internal affairs. （Related： TSMC Reports Record January Revenue, Approves $44.96B Capital Budget ｜ Latest ）
