On February 9, 2026, Hong Kong authorities sentenced 78-year-old media founder Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious material, the longest penalty under the region’s national security law. Lai, who founded the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from his criticism of Hong Kong and Beijing governments. UN human rights chief Volker Türk and US officials called for his release, citing violations of international law, while Lai’s legal team cited age and health concerns. The case continues to shape discussions about press freedom and legal standards in Hong Kong.
A Hong Kong court sentenced 78-year-old media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison on Monday, February 9, 2026, marking the longest punishment ever imposed under the city’s national security law. The British citizen and pro-democracy advocate pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and charges related to publishing seditious material, but was convicted on December 15, 2025.
Lai founded Apple Daily newspaper 30 years ago, building a publication known for criticizing both Hong Kong and Beijing governments. The newspaper has since been shuttered. Prosecutors argued his actions endangered national security, though international observers questioned the legal basis for such claims.
Apple Daily stood as a critical voice against Hong Kong and Beijing authorities before authorities forced its closure amid national security concerns.
Seven other individuals received sentences on the same day, including six former Apple Daily staff members who received between 6 and 10 years, along with one activist and one paralegal. All faced charges under legislation that human rights groups describe as vague and overly broad.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk called for Lai’s immediate release, stating the sentence violated international human rights law. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, deemed the verdict unjust. The Society of Professional Journalists strongly condemned the sentence, joining widespread international criticism.
Lai has already spent over four years in detention and may appeal within 28 days. His legal team has requested humanitarian release, citing his age and health concerns. The court’s judgment referenced his engagement with UN representatives as context for establishing guilt, a detail that raised questions about criminalizing international advocacy.
China imposed the national security law on Hong Kong, criminalizing freedoms of association and expression that residents previously enjoyed. Hundreds have been arrested and prosecuted under these provisions, effectively silencing dissent in the city. The law represents a significant shift in Hong Kong’s legal landscape. The ruling relied extensively on conduct occurring before the National Security Law came into force.
Despite the harsh sentence, supporters of press freedom and democratic values continue advocating for Lai’s release. The case highlights ongoing tensions between international human rights standards and Beijing’s approach to governance in Hong Kong, with observers watching closely to see whether appeals might offer any relief. The case has also prompted discussion among faith communities about responding to persecution and advocating for biblical alternatives to fear and silence.
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