Chinese Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years

Hong Kong’s sentencing of media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison marks the most severe punishment yet under the national security law, closing the city’s largest and most internationally scrutinized security trial and underscoring the durability of Beijing’s post-2019 crackdown.

Harshest Penalty Tier Applied

Lai, 78, a British citizen and founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, was sentenced on Feb. 9 on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials.

The three-judge panel said the 20-year term fell within the harshest sentencing tier for offenses deemed of a “grave nature,” making it the most severe punishment imposed since the law took effect in 2020.

In the present case, Lai was no doubt the mastermind of all three conspiracies charged and therefore he warrants a heavier sentence.

Judges of the Trial

The judges cited prosecution evidence alleging that the conspiracies sought sanctions, blockades, and other hostile acts by the United States and other countries, involving Apple Daily staff, activists, and foreign contacts.

Six former senior Apple Daily editors, an activist, and a paralegal were also sentenced to prison terms ranging from six to 10 years, after pleading guilty.

Lai was first arrested in August 2020, convicted last year, and has been held for nearly five years as the case moved through the courts.

Foreign Collusion and Political Identity

Lai denied all charges and described himself during the trial as a “political prisoner.” Prosecutors highlighted his international profile and political connections, particularly with U.S. Republicans. I

n July 2019, at the height of mass pro-democracy protests, Lai met then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington.

Beijing imposed the national security law in 2020 following months of unrest, saying it was necessary to restore order after sometimes violent protests.

Hong Kong and Chinese officials have consistently said the law applies equally and that Lai received a fair trial.

Hong Kong leader John Lee said, “(Jimmy Lai) has committed numerous heinous crimes, and his evil deeds were beyond measure,” adding that the sentence “brings great relief to all.”

International Reaction & Diplomatic Pressure

The verdict drew swift international reaction. Australia, Britain, the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan expressed concern. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for the verdict to be quashed and for Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds, citing his age and health.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the sentence was “tantamount to a life sentence” and said London would “rapidly engage further on Mr Lai’s case.”

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Tokyo was “seriously concerned” about the impact on freedom of speech, association, and assembly in Hong Kong.

By contrast, China’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said the ruling was “a solemn and powerful declaration that whoever dares to challenge the law on safeguarding national security will be severely punished.”

Health, Appeals, and Symbolism

Lai’s family and supporters say he suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure. His son, Sebastien Lai, said the sentence “is devastating for our family and life-threatening for my father,” calling it the “total destruction” of Hong Kong’s legal system. Dozens of supporters also queued for days to attend the sentencing.

Hong Kong police countered that Lai’s health concerns had been “exaggerated,” according to Steve Li, head of the police national security department.

Lai has 28 days to appeal, his lawyer Robert Pang said, declining further comment.

The case has been raised at the highest diplomatic levels, including by U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in separate meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting how one trial has become a symbol of Hong Kong’s post-2019 political order.