The offences carry a potential life sentence.
At 78, Lai’s punishment could effectively keep him incarcerated for the remainder of his life.Court ruling and co-defendants
Three government-approved judges ruled that Lai played a central role in the conspiracies, increasing the starting point of his sentence. However, they reduced the penalty after considering his age, health issues and the impact of solitary confinement.
The court also ordered that 18 years of the new sentence run consecutively with a separate five-year-and-nine-month prison term he is already serving in a fraud case, as per AP.
Lai’s co-defendants — six former Apple Daily employees and two activists — received prison terms ranging from six years and three months to 10 years after entering guilty pleas, as per AP.
Press freedom concerns and reactions to the jail term
Lai’s prosecution has intensified concerns about media freedom in Hong Kong. Authorities insist the case is unrelated to press freedom, arguing that journalism was used as a cover for activities that harmed China and Hong Kong, as per AP.
The conviction has drawn criticism from Western and regional governments.Taiwan government condemned the “harsh” sentence handed out to the Hong Kong media tycoon and called for his release.
“Jimmy Lai’s harsh sentence under Hong Kong’s National Security Law not only deprives him of his personal liberty and tramples on freedom of speech and press freedom, but also denies the people’s basic right to hold those in power accountable,” Taiwan’s China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement, as per Reuters.
British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said, “For the 78-year-old, this is tantamount to a life sentence. I remain deeply concerned for Mr Lai’s health, and I again call on the Hong Kong authorities to end his appalling ordeal and release him on humanitarian grounds, so that he may be returned to his family. Following today’s sentencing, we will rapidly engage further on Mr Lai’s case,” as per Reuters.
US Republican Senator Rick Scott criticised the ruling, stating, “Tonight, my friend Jimmy Lai was unjustly sentenced by Communist China to 20 years in prison for the ‘crime’ of daring to think differently from the CCP and refusing to use his newspaper to spread CCP propaganda.”
“We will not forget what Xi and his thugs have done to Jimmy and so many political prisoners. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! The world is watching, and we know the truth: Jimmy Lai is innocent, and he should be home with his family tonight, not in the hands of Xi’s thuggish regime,” he added, as per Reuters.
Hong Kong leader John Lee supported the ruling, stating, “Jimmy Lai’s crimes are heinous and utterly unforgivable. His 20‑year sentence demonstrates the rule of law, delivers justice, and is gratifying to the public.”
Newspaper Apple Daily sold 1 mn copies of last edition
Lai founded the now-defunct Apple Daily in 1995. Known for its critical reporting on Hong Kong and Beijing authorities, the newspaper shut down in 2021 following arrests of senior staff. Its final edition sold one million copies.
Lai’s daughter Claire told AP before sentencing that her family would continue campaigning for his freedom. “We will never stop fighting until he is free,” she said.
Following the judgement, Lai’s son Sebastian said, “Sentencing my father to this draconian prison sentence is devastating for our family and life-threatening for my father.
“It signifies the total destruction of the Hong Kong legal system and the end of justice. After more than five years of relentlessly persecuting my father, it is time for China to do the right thing and release him before it is too late,” he added, as per Reuters.
