Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison in Landmark Hong Kong National Security Case

Hong Kong’s High Court on Monday sentenced Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, to 20 years in prison, concluding one of the most high-profile prosecutions brought under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.

In its judgment, the court said the lengthy sentence reflected the seriousness of Lai’s conduct, citing convictions for collusion with foreign forces, endangering national security and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. Lai, 78, has already spent more than five years in detention and is currently serving a separate sentence related to fraud charges.

The ruling sets a new benchmark for national security cases in Hong Kong, exceeding the previous longest sentence of 10 years handed to activist Benny Tai in late 2024. Human rights groups described the punishment as exceptionally severe, warning it would further chill free expression in the city.

Lai was among the first prominent figures arrested after the security law took effect, following the mass pro-democracy protests that swept Hong Kong in 2019. His newspaper, long known for its outspoken criticism of Beijing, ceased operations in 2021 after authorities arrested senior staff and froze company assets, effectively ending its 26-year history.

The case has become a symbol of the broader transformation of Hong Kong’s political and media environment. International leaders have repeatedly raised concerns, with Donald Trump previously expressing sympathy for Lai and Keir Starmer urging Chinese leaders to consider his release during a recent visit to Beijing. Taiwan’s government also condemned the sentence, calling it a blow to press freedom and accountability.

Hong Kong authorities have rejected claims that the prosecution was aimed at suppressing journalism, arguing instead that Lai used his media platform to seek foreign sanctions and engage in activities that threatened national security. Prosecutors said he worked with former colleagues and activists to lobby overseas governments against Hong Kong and China.

Lai pleaded not guilty to the national security charges, maintaining that his actions were an exercise of free expression. His sentencing underscores the sweeping reach of the national security law and reinforces concerns among critics that the space for dissent and independent media in Hong Kong continues to narrow.