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Hong Kong pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison on national security charges on Monday, a record under Beijing’s National Security Law.
Lai, a British citizen and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, was convicted in December of soliciting foreign sanctions and publishing “seditious” articles. Two years of the sentence overlap with an existing term, meaning 18 more years to serve. Lai has been jailed since 2020.
Rights groups called the sentence effectively a death sentence and a blow to press freedom. Officials and activists worldwide condemned it as a chilling crackdown. Lai waved to supporters as he was taken away; his lawyers and family criticised the severity and health concerns.
His defence lawyer, Robert Pang, declined to comment on whether Lai would lodge an appeal, which can be done in the next 28 days.
Lai’s case comes amid broader concerns about Hong Kong’s rule of law and freedom of the press. Eight other defendants received up to 10-year terms. Hong Kong authorities say the case demonstrates the law’s upholding.
