A Hong Kong court on Monday sentenced pro-democracy media figure Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison for national security offences, a ruling that rights organisations described as “effectively a death sentence” and a stark illustration of the erosion of press freedom in the city.
Lai, a British citizen and founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted in December of calling on foreign governments to sanction Hong Kong and for publishing what authorities described as “seditious” material in his paper.
At 78, the sentence imposed on him is the longest under the national security law introduced by Beijing, exceeding the previous high of 10 years handed to legal academic Benny Tai in 2024.
In a written summary, the judges said they arrived at the 20-year term “after considering the serious and grave criminal conduct of Lai.” They added that two years of the sentence would run concurrently with an existing term, meaning he will serve an additional 18 years.
Lai, who has been in custody since 2020, remained expressionless in the dock as the judgment was delivered, according to an AFP reporter present in court. As he was escorted away, he raised a solemn wave to those seated in the public gallery, including his wife Teresa, former Hong Kong bishop Cardinal Joseph Zen, and former journalists from Apple Daily.
His defence counsel, Robert Pang, declined to say whether an appeal would be filed, noting that Lai has 28 days to do so. Asked if the ruling matched expectations, Pang told AFP, “In these times, I don’t know what to expect.”
Teresa Lai appeared visibly distressed throughout the proceedings and offered no comment afterwards. Their children, who live overseas, later released a statement condemning the sentence. Lai’s son, Sebastien, described the punishment as devastating and said it was “life-threatening” given his father’s age. His daughter, Claire, said it was “a heartbreakingly cruel sentence” in light of his declining health and warned that if enforced in full, “he will die a martyr behind bars.”
Rights groups echoed those concerns. Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said, “The harsh 20-year sentence against 78-year-old Jimmy Lai is effectively a death sentence. A sentence of this magnitude is both cruel and profoundly unjust.” Amnesty International described the case as “another grim milestone in Hong Kong’s transformation from a city governed by the rule of law to one ruled by fear.” Jodie Ginsberg, chief executive of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said the ruling was “the final nail in the coffin for freedom of the press in Hong Kong.”
International reaction followed swiftly. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously said he raised Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping during talks in Beijing last month, while US President Donald Trump has also publicly called for Lai’s release. After the sentencing, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged Hong Kong authorities to “end his appalling ordeal” and said London would “rapidly engage further” with Beijing. Taiwan said the ruling would have a “chilling effect” beyond Hong Kong and accused authorities of trampling on freedom of expression.
Beijing dismissed the criticism, insisting the verdict was “reasonable, legitimate and legal” and accusing foreign governments of smearing Hong Kong’s judicial system. The city’s leader, John Lee, praised the sentence, describing it as “deeply gratifying.”
Outside the West Kowloon court, dozens of former Apple Daily staff and supporters queued overnight in the cold for a chance to attend the hearing, as journalists gathered nearby. Police deployed heavy security, including armoured vehicles and a bomb disposal unit. One supporter, Lam Ying-kit, a former history teacher, told AFP that the punishment was “equivalent to sentencing Lai to life imprisonment.”
Concerns about Lai’s health have persisted throughout his detention. Prosecutors said he requested solitary confinement to avoid harassment, while authorities insist he receives “adequate” medical care. Lai has long been a vocal critic of Beijing and was charged under the national security law imposed after the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Apple Daily was forced to shut down in 2021 following police raids.
Eight other defendants linked to the newspaper, including six senior executives, received prison terms of up to 10 years after pleading guilty. By the beginning of this month, Hong Kong authorities had arrested 386 people on national security charges, with 176 convictions recorded.
What you should know
Jimmy Lai’s sentencing is the most severe punishment yet under Hong Kong’s national security law, underscoring how dramatically the city’s legal and media landscape has changed since 2020.
Once a symbol of press freedom in Asia, Hong Kong has seen independent outlets close, journalists jailed, and dissent criminalised. Lai’s case has become a focal point for international criticism, with governments and rights groups arguing that the law is being used to silence opposition and intimidate the press.
For supporters, his imprisonment represents the end of an era for media freedom in the city and a warning to journalists and activists worldwide.
