Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of national security offences by a court in the city. The 78-year-old founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily was convicted of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious content, charges he vehemently denied. Judges ruled that Lai’s actions posed a threat to China’s national security. For years, Lai has been a prominent critic of the Hong Kong government and China’s ruling Communist Party. His trial, conducted without a jury and overseen by three government-approved judges, has garnered significant international attention. Observers from the United States, Britain, and the European Union have closely monitored the proceedings, viewing them as a critical indicator of press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong since its handover to Chinese rule in 1997. The court’s judgment stated that Lai orchestrated efforts to seek foreign support to undermine the Chinese government, aiming to challenge the Communist Party. Lai now faces a potential life sentence for the collusion charge, with sedition carrying a maximum of two years. A separate hearing will determine the final sentence. Apple Daily was shut down in 2021 following a police raid and asset freeze, accused of encouraging foreign sanctions. Prosecutors presented evidence including Lai’s meetings with US officials. Lai has been in custody since August 2020, reportedly facing deteriorating health. He is already serving a sentence for a separate fraud case and prior convictions related to unauthorized protests.
