Jimmy Lai Jailed 20 Years in Hong Kong Security Law Case

Post by : Bianca Haleem

Hong Kong’s pro-democracy media figure and former tycoon Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in one of the most high-profile cases under the China-imposed National Security Law.

The 78-year-old, who founded the now-closed newspaper Apple Daily, was convicted on charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiracy to publish seditious articles. He was found guilty in December, and the court delivered the sentence on Monday.

How the Sentence Will Be Served

Judge Esther Toh ruled that 18 years of Lai’s 20-year sentence will be served consecutively with his existing prison term in a separate fraud case.

Lai is already serving five years and nine months in the fraud case and has been in custody for more than five years. He has the right to appeal the verdict.

Co-Defendants Also Sentenced

Lai’s co-defendants received prison terms ranging from 6 years and 3 months to 10 years.

The convicted former Apple Daily staff include:

Cheung Kim-hung (publisher)
Chan Pui-man (associate publisher)
Ryan Law (editor-in-chief)
Lam Man-chung (executive editor-in-chief)
Fung Wai-kong (executive editor-in-chief for English news)
Yeung Ching-kee (editorial writer)

Two activists, Andy Li and Chan Tsz-wah, were also convicted. Several defendants pleaded guilty and cooperated with prosecutors, which may reduce their penalties.

Court Spared Maximum Punishment

Three government-approved judges did not give Lai the maximum punishment of life imprisonment. However, due to his age, the 20-year sentence could still keep him in prison for the rest of his life.

Supporters in Court

As Lai entered the courtroom, he reportedly waved and smiled at supporters seated in the public gallery. Hong Kong’s well-known Catholic leader Cardinal Joseph Zen attended the hearing and sat beside Lai’s wife.

Why the Case Matters

Lai’s case has drawn major international attention and renewed concerns over the decline of press freedom in Hong Kong, which was once known as a leading center for independent media in Asia.

The Hong Kong government insists the case is not about journalism, claiming the defendants used reporting as a cover to carry out actions harmful to China and Hong Kong.

Apple Daily Shutdown

Jimmy Lai was among the first major public figures arrested under the security law in 2020. Within a year, senior Apple Daily journalists were also arrested.

Police raids, prosecutions, and a freeze on the newspaper’s assets led to the closure of Apple Daily in June 2021. Its final edition reportedly sold one million copies.

International Reaction

Lai’s conviction has been criticised by the United States and the United Kingdom.

US President Donald Trump said he felt “so badly” about the verdict and stated he had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping, asking him to consider Lai’s release.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has also called for Lai’s release. Lai holds British citizenship.

Lai’s daughter, Claire Lai, said the family hopes authorities will release her father. She added that their faith remains strong and said they will continue efforts until he is free.

Prosecution Claims

During the 156-day trial, prosecutors accused Lai of conspiring with:

Six former Apple Daily staff members
Two activists
Other individuals

They alleged the group sought foreign sanctions, blockades, or hostile actions against Hong Kong or China.

Lai testified for 52 days in his defense, saying he did not call for foreign sanctions after the security law took effect.

The judges ruled that Lai played a leading role and described him as the “mastermind” of the conspiracies.

Concerns From Legal Experts

Legal lecturer Urania Chiu said the case is significant because it broadly interprets “seditious intent” and “collusion with foreign forces,” and could have a chilling effect on journalists and academics.

Health Concerns

Lai’s lawyer has said he has health issues including: