Micah Jonah
February 9, 2026
A Hong Kong court has sentenced pro democracy media tycoon, Jimmy Lai to 20 years imprisonment under Beijing’s national security law, a decision that has sparked widespread international condemnation and renewed concerns over press freedom.
Lai, founder of the now defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted on charges of foreign collusion and seditious publication after a legal process which lasted nearly five years. The court ruled that the offences were of a grave nature, imposed a sentence within the highest penalty range, which allows for terms of up to life imprisonment.
The court described Lai as the mastermind, driving force behind alleged foreign collusion activities. The 78 year old British citizen rejected all charges, insisting that he is a political prisoner, being punished for his political views.
Given his age, observers say the sentence could amount to a life term. His family and legal team have raised serious concerns over his health, citing heart palpitations and high blood pressure, warning that his continued detention could prove fatal.
Inside the courtroom, Lai appeared calm but serious as the sentence was delivered, while emotional scenes were reported among members of the public gallery.
Six former senior staff members of Apple Daily, alongside an activist and a paralegal, were also sentenced. Their jail terms range between six years, three months and 10 years.
Those convicted include publisher Cheung Kim hung, associate publisher Chan Pui man, editor in chief Ryan Law, executive editor in chief Lam Man chung, English news editor Fung Wai kong and editorial writer Yeung Ching kee.
Reacting to the ruling, international media rights groups described the judgment as a severe setback for press freedom. Human rights organisations labelled the sentence cruel and unjust, while global leaders, including top officials from the United States and the United Kingdom, have criticised the outcome.
Chinese authorities have dismissed the backlash, insisting that the case has nothing to do with freedom of expression. Hong Kong officials maintain that the prosecution was strictly a matter of national security.
Lai was among the first prominent figures arrested after the national security law was introduced in 2020. Police raids and asset freezes forced Apple Daily to shut down in June 2021, with its final edition selling about one million copies.
The case has further heightened concerns over shrinking civic, media space in Hong Kong. Press groups report increasing harassment, intimidation and widespread job losses among journalists since the enactment of the law.
