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Hong Kong sentences media mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 years for collusion
Hong Kong handed down its harshest punishment yet under the national security law on Monday, sentencing 78-year-old pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai to two decades in prison for allegedly colluding with foreign forces. Rights organizations condemned the ruling as a severe blow to press freedom, while authorities defended it as a necessary measure for stability.
Background: A life of activism and controversy
Born in Guangzhou, Lai fled to Hong Kong as a 12-year-old stowaway in 1960. He built a business empire starting with menial jobs, eventually founding the clothing brand Giordano before pivoting to media. His transformation into a vocal democracy activist began after China's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Lai later launched Apple Daily, a newspaper that became a symbol of resistance during Hong Kong's 2019 pro-democracy protests.
The charges and trial
The case centers on Lai's 2019 meeting with then-U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, where he discussed Hong Kong's political crisis. Prosecutors argued the meeting constituted collusion with foreign forces-a charge Lai denied. During his November testimony, Lai stated he merely shared information about Hong Kong's situation and never sought to influence foreign policy.
Lai was already serving time for fraud and unauthorized assembly convictions from an earlier case. He has spent over five years in detention.
Sentencing and reactions
On Monday, Lai appeared in court wearing a white jacket and black glasses. He smiled at supporters and nodded calmly as the 20-year sentence was read. Outside, dozens of supporters-some camping for days-gathered despite a heavy police presence. One supporter, who waited since Thursday, told reporters, "I just wish to greet Mr. Lai in person... I think it will be the last time I see him."
Inside the courtroom, sobs were heard as Lai's wife, Teresa, fought back tears. Six former Apple Daily executives and two activists also received sentences ranging from six to 10 years under the same law.
Global outcry vs. official justifications
Rights groups and governments swiftly condemned the ruling. The Committee to Protect Journalists called it "the final nail in the coffin for press freedom in Hong Kong," while Human Rights Watch's Asia director labeled it a demonstration of China's intent to "crush independent journalism."
"Today's egregious decision is the final nail in the coffin for freedom of the press in Hong Kong. The international community must step up its pressure to free Jimmy Lai if we want press freedom to be respected anywhere in the world."
Jodie Ginsberg, Committee to Protect Journalists
Lai's son, Sebastien, criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent China visit as a "wasted opportunity" to advocate for his father's release. Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, leading Lai's international legal team, urged global leaders to "speak with one voice" demanding his freedom.
The UK, EU, Australia, Japan, and the UN human rights chief have all expressed concern, with UN High Commissioner Volker Türk citing Lai's age and health as grounds for release.
China's foreign ministry dismissed the criticism, calling the case an "internal affair" and asserting that Hong Kong's government was justified in "punishing criminal acts which endanger national security."
Lai's legacy and final words
In his last interview as a free man in 2020, Lai reflected on his journey: "I got everything I have because of [Hong Kong]. If this is payback time, this is my redemption."
The sentencing marks the latest chapter in Beijing's crackdown on dissent following the 2019 protests. Critics argue the national security law has eroded Hong Kong's autonomy, while authorities insist it has restored order.
