Pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison

2026-02-10 - 04:56

HONG KONG — 10 February 2026, Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison under the city’s national security law, in the longest sentence imposed so far on a political figure since the legislation was enacted in 2020. Lai, 78, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted in December on charges of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. Prosecutors cited his meetings with United States officials during the administration of former President Donald Trump and editorials critical of Beijing as evidence. The trial was held without a jury, and Lai was denied his preferred legal counsel, according to court documents. Several other senior media executives linked to Apple Daily received prison sentences ranging from six to 10 years in the same case. Lai, who suffers from diabetes and hypertension, has been in detention since 2020. Rights groups have warned that the lengthy sentence could amount to life imprisonment given his age and health. The conviction has renewed international scrutiny of Hong Kong’s national security law, which was imposed by Beijing without local legislative approval following months of mass protests in 2019. Authorities say the law is necessary to restore stability, while critics argue it has been used to dismantle press freedom and political opposition. Former US President Trump has said publicly that he raised Lai’s case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping and has indicated he may do so again during a planned visit to China in April. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also raised the issue during a recent visit to Beijing, though no progress was reported. Lai holds British citizenship. Observers say the case has broader implications for democratic movements across Asia, including Thailand, where debates over freedom of expression, judicial independence and the limits of national security laws remain politically sensitive. Lai’s supporters say his rise from a penniless child labourer to one of Hong Kong’s most prominent entrepreneurs symbolised the freedoms that once defined the city. His sentencing, they argue, reflects a broader transformation of Hong Kong’s political landscape since the end of its limited autonomy. A Hong Kong activist wears a portrait of Jimmy Lai with slogans reading ”Strong condemnation: Political trial of Jimmy Lai and others.” and ”Immediately release the prisoners of conscience” during a protest in support of activist publisher Jimmy Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)