Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai found guilty under national security law

December 17, 2025

Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, 78, has been convicted of collusion with foreign forces and sedition following a two-year trial that began in December 2023 and lasted over 150 working days. The three-judge panel found that Lai used his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper to lobby foreign governments for sanctions against China and Hong Kong, and published seditious content meant to incite hatred against authorities. The court concluded that Lai's ultimate goal was regime change in China, citing his meetings with senior U.S. officials and his extensive foreign connections as evidence of conspiracy.

Who is affected

Jimmy Lai (78-year-old media mogul convicted and facing up to life imprisonment)
Lai's family members including his wife Teresa, son Lai Shun-yan, and daughter Claire Lai
Lai's three companies: Apple Daily Ltd, Apple Daily Printing Ltd, and AD Internet Ltd (all convicted)
Former Apple Daily executives Ryan Law and Chan Pui-man (previously pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing)
Former Apple Daily journalists and staff members whose newspaper was forced to close in June 2021
Journalist Ronson Chan and other Hong Kong media professionals
The general Hong Kong public and press freedom advocates
Cardinal Joseph Zen (attended the verdict hearing)

What action is being taken

A four-day mitigation hearing is scheduled to be held starting January 12
Jimmy Lai is receiving medical treatment and care while in detention (according to Hong Kong authorities)
Lai's children are actively rallying for international support to secure his release

Why it matters

This verdict represents a significant milestone in Hong Kong's application of the Beijing-imposed national security law and marks the end of a landmark case involving one of the city's most prominent media figures. The conviction demonstrates the broad reach of the security legislation in criminalizing activities deemed as collusion with foreign powers and sedition, including journalism and political advocacy that were previously protected. The case has profound implications for press freedom and freedom of expression in Hong Kong, signaling the end of the city's historically unique position as a place where critical views of China and open advocacy for democracy could be expressed. The closure of Apple Daily and Lai's lengthy detention serve as a stark warning to journalists and activists about the boundaries of acceptable speech under the current legal framework.

What's next

A four-day mitigation hearing will be held beginning January 12
Sentencing will occur following the mitigation hearing (Lai faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment)
Former Apple Daily executives Ryan Law and Chan Pui-man, who pleaded guilty, are awaiting sentencing

Read full article from source: Global Voices