Amanze Chinonye
Former media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai Chee‑ying has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, in one of the harshest penalties imposed under Beijing’s 2020 national security law (NSL).
The ruling marks a stark moment in Hong Kong’s post-NSL era, highlighting the city’s shrinking space for independent journalism and political dissent.
The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delivered the sentence on Monday. Lai, 78, was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials. Three judges described him as the “mastermind” behind the alleged conspiracies. Two years of the 20-year term overlap with a previous prison sentence, meaning Lai will serve an additional 18 years beyond that time. Co-defendants, including former Apple Daily executives and other activists, received sentences ranging from six to ten years.
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Lai’s prosecution stems from his prominent role as founder of Apple Daily, once one of Hong Kong’s most influential pro-democracy newspapers. The newspaper was forced to shut down in 2021 after authorities froze its assets and arrested senior staff, including Lai, marking a significant blow to media independence in the city.
A vocal critic of Beijing, Lai became a target of the NSL shortly after it was imposed in June 2020. The law criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces charges often criticized by international observers as broad tools to suppress dissent. Lai’s arrest in August 2020 and subsequent convictions were seen by rights groups and foreign governments as emblematic of the law’s chilling effect on press freedom and pro-democracy activism.
The sentencing has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, press freedom advocates, and foreign governments, who argue the punishment is disproportionate given Lai’s age and health. Lai, who suffers from high blood pressure and other medical conditions, faces an especially severe prison term in his late seventies.
Hong Kong and Chinese authorities maintain that the trial followed legal procedures and framed the verdict as enforcement of the national security law, emphasizing that the case was unrelated to freedom of speech. Nevertheless, analysts note that the ruling underscores Beijing’s tightening control over Hong Kong’s political and media landscape, sending a clear message to activists and independent journalists.
The 20-year sentence of Jimmy Lai is widely regarded as a turning point in Hong Kong’s modern history, symbolizing the enduring influence of the NSL in silencing dissent and reshaping the city’s civic space.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
