Hong Kong media entrepreneur and pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the city’s national security law. The ruling marks the most severe penalty imposed since the law was enacted by Beijing in the wake of the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Rights organisations have strongly condemned the sentence, describing it as effectively a life term for the 78-year-old businessman, whose family has repeatedly expressed concern about his health. Hong Kong’s leadership, however, welcomed the decision, calling it a demonstration of the city’s commitment to national security and the rule of law.
Lai, a British citizen, is the most prominent individual convicted under the legislation, which authorities say is necessary to preserve stability. Critics argue it has been used to silence dissent and dismantle press freedom. He was the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, a newspaper known for its outspoken criticism of Beijing and support for democratic reforms.
Speaking to the BBC, Lai’s son, Sebastien, said the sentence was devastating and accused international leaders, including those in the UK, of failing to use diplomatic leverage to secure his father’s release. He described the verdict as evidence of the collapse of Hong Kong’s legal system and the end of meaningful justice in the city.
Hong Kong courts defended the ruling, stating that Lai’s actions amounted to serious criminal conduct and involved conspiracies of the highest gravity. Prosecutors pointed to his meetings with senior US officials during the 2019 protests as evidence, although Lai has consistently denied using foreign contacts to influence policy, saying he was merely explaining the situation in Hong Kong.
The sentencing hearing was held under heavy police presence, with large numbers of supporters gathering outside the court. Inside, Lai appeared calm, acknowledging his family as the sentence was read, while emotional scenes unfolded among those in attendance.
Lai has already spent more than five years in detention following earlier convictions for fraud and unlawful assembly. On the same day, several former executives of Apple Daily and pro-democracy activists also received lengthy prison terms under the same law.
International reaction has been swift. Press freedom groups, human rights organisations and legal advocates have denounced the ruling as excessive and politically motivated, warning it signals the final erosion of media independence in Hong Kong. Governments including those of the UK, Australia, Japan and members of the European Union have voiced concern, while the UN human rights chief has called for Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds.
China’s foreign ministry dismissed the criticism, insisting the case falls entirely within Hong Kong’s internal affairs and reaffirming Beijing’s support for strict enforcement of national security measures.
Jimmy Lai, who arrived in Hong Kong from mainland China as a child and built a successful business empire before turning to political activism, has long maintained that his actions were guided by his belief in free speech, rule of law and democratic values.
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