Jimmy Lai faces sentencing in Hong Kong’s biggest national security case. Here’s what to know about the charges, possible life term, and global reaction.
Jimmy Lai Sentencing Today: Why the Apple Daily Founder’s Case Is Hong Kong’s Most High-Profile National Security Trial (Image: X)
Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai is set to be sentenced Monday in the city’s most high-profile national security case, marking the culmination of a nearly five-year legal battle. The verdict comes amid international pressure and concerns over the frail health of the 78-year-old critic of the Chinese Communist Party.
Lai, the founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted on Dec. 15 of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials under Hong Kong’s national security law.
Jimmy Lai is a Hong Kong media tycoon and longtime pro-democracy figure who founded Apple Daily, once one of the city’s most influential newspapers. He was first detained in August 2020 after mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. His case is seen worldwide as a symbol of Hong Kong’s national security crackdown.
Lai has denied all charges, telling the court he is a “political prisoner” facing persecution from Beijing.
Hong Kong courts found Lai guilty of conspiring to work with foreign activists and politicians to seek sanctions against Hong Kong and China. Prosecutors described him as a “mastermind” in efforts deemed to threaten national security. He was also convicted of publishing seditious materials through Apple Daily.
Under sentencing guidelines, offences classified as “grave” can draw the harshest penalties.
Sentencing guidelines allow for 10 years to life imprisonment for the most serious national security offences. Lai now faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars. Six former senior Apple Daily staffers, an activist and a paralegal are also being sentenced in the same case.
Lai’s case has drawn criticism from global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer, citing Lai’s British citizenship, raised the case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping last month in Beijing.
“I raised the case of Jimmy Lai and called for his release,” Starmer later told the UK parliament, adding that discussions would continue and that the foreign secretary was in touch with Lai’s family.
Trump also raised Lai’s case with Xi during a meeting last October. Western diplomats told Reuters that negotiations to free Lai could intensify after sentencing, depending on whether he appeals.
Lai’s family, lawyers and supporters have warned that he could die in prison due to health conditions including heart palpitations and high blood pressure. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse for days ahead of sentencing.
“I worry about his health most,” said Simon Ng, 65, one of dozens of supporters. “I hope he and his family can be at peace.”
Beijing has rejected allegations of political persecution, saying Lai received a fair trial and that the national security law treats all defendants equally. Chinese authorities maintain the law has restored order to Hong Kong.
A: August 2020.
A: A now-shuttered Hong Kong newspaper founded by Jimmy Lai.
A: Yes, and diplomats say any negotiations may depend on whether he appeals.
