Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of China, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in a landmark national security case. The 78-year-old was found guilty in late 2025 of using his independent media outlet to produce seditious materials and colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security.
Lai, founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials. His case has drawn international scrutiny, with human rights groups calling the sentence effectively a death sentence.
Supporters, including the United States and the United Kingdom, where Lai holds citizenship, argue the case is politically motivated. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed grave concern, saying the prosecution has had a chilling effect on free speech in Hong Kong.
Lai's daughter Claire Lai described the sentence as heartbreaking, stating that if carried out, her father will die a martyr behind bars. His son Sebastien Lai called it a dark day for justice. The European Union has called for Lai's immediate and unconditional release, while Taiwan's government condemned the sentence as harsh.
