Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the city's controversial national security law (NSL). The 78-year-old, who has been in jail since December 2020, pleaded not guilty. He faces life in prison and is expected to be sentenced early next year.
Lai used his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper as part of a wider effort to lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China, the court found. Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee welcomed the verdict, noting that Lai's actions 'damaged the country's interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers', but rights groups called it 'a cruel judicial farce'.
The NSL has been used to crush dissent, and the judge stated that there is 'no doubt' Lai harbored hatred for the People's Republic of China (PRC), noting his calls for US intervention in Hong Kong affairs. Lai, a UK citizen, was a key figure in the 2019 pro-democracy protests and has been an outspoken critic of the Chinese state.
Lai’s case has become emblematic of the struggles for judicial independence in Hong Kong, as the NSL imposes harsh penalties for what the authorities deem as subversion. Despite the Hong Kong government's claims of upholding rule of law, numerous activists have been jailed under this law, drawing international condemnation.
Many view Lai as a martyr for democracy, and his conviction has prompted calls from Western leaders for his release. Lai's lawyer stated that they will review the judgement for potential appeal. Critics argue that the crackdown on dissent by Hong Kong authorities aims to silence voices that challenge Beijing's governance.
Lai used his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper as part of a wider effort to lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China, the court found. Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee welcomed the verdict, noting that Lai's actions 'damaged the country's interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers', but rights groups called it 'a cruel judicial farce'.
The NSL has been used to crush dissent, and the judge stated that there is 'no doubt' Lai harbored hatred for the People's Republic of China (PRC), noting his calls for US intervention in Hong Kong affairs. Lai, a UK citizen, was a key figure in the 2019 pro-democracy protests and has been an outspoken critic of the Chinese state.
Lai’s case has become emblematic of the struggles for judicial independence in Hong Kong, as the NSL imposes harsh penalties for what the authorities deem as subversion. Despite the Hong Kong government's claims of upholding rule of law, numerous activists have been jailed under this law, drawing international condemnation.
Many view Lai as a martyr for democracy, and his conviction has prompted calls from Western leaders for his release. Lai's lawyer stated that they will review the judgement for potential appeal. Critics argue that the crackdown on dissent by Hong Kong authorities aims to silence voices that challenge Beijing's governance.
