Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years under Hong Kong security law
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 […]