Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy critic Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison, ending the city’s most high-profile national security case. Lai, the founder of the now-closed Apple Daily, was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one for publishing seditious materials, ending a legal saga that started in August 2020. The judges described Lai as the “mastermind” behind the conspiracies that prosecutors said involved seeking sanctions and hostile acts from foreign governments.
Jimmy Lai’s Co-Defendants Also Receive Prison Terms
Six former Apple Daily executives, an activist, and a paralegal received prison sentences ranging from six to ten years. The court highlighted that Lai orchestrated the alleged conspiracies, making him liable for the harshest punishment under Hong Kong’s national security law.
Global Leaders Voice Concern Over Jimmy Lai’s Sentence
This has prompted a quick international response. Britain, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and the European Union have expressed concern over the sentencing of Lai, indicating its effect on the freedom of Hong Kong citizens. The British Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, asked for the release of Lai on humanitarian grounds and termed Lai’s 20-year term “tantamount to a life sentence.” In addition, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said, “We have expressed concerns about the impact of the national security law on freedom of speech and assembly.”
Jimmy Lai and the 2019 Pro-Democracy Protests
Lai, a UK citizen and a vociferous opponent of China, made headlines around the world during the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong. He had already held meetings with US leaders such as then-Vice President Mike Pence and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The national security law has been enacted by China in Hong Kong in 2020 to stabilize the situation following the unprecedented uprising, and Lai is considered an integral part of that crackdown.
Jimmy Lai’s Health and Supporters’ Reactions
Advocates of Lai expressed their worries due to his poor health, as he suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure. Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, termed the sentencing as “devastating for our family, and life-threatening for my father, while also speaking out against the Hong Kong legal system.” Lai, being a Catholic, entered the courtroom wearing a white jacket, holding his hands in prayer, while smiling at the advocates. Human Rights Watch termed the sentence as “cruel and profoundly unjust.”
Jimmy Lai Case Highlights International Pressure
Scores of his supporters had queued outside the courthouse for days. World leaders continue to raise Lai’s case, including the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and the previous US President, Donald Trump, who called on China to intervene in the case against Lai. Lai’s lawyer said that the defendant had 28 days to appeal but offered no further comment.
The harsh sentencing of Jimmy Lai for a period of 20 years is a clear indication of the firm stand of Beijing with respect to national security legislation and has raised significant concern over freedom and democracy in Hong Kong being threatened.
