Jimmy Lai found guilty in Hong Kong national security case that draws global concern

Hong Kong’s High Court has convicted veteran media entrepreneur and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai in one of the most closely watched national security cases since Beijing imposed the law on the city in 2020. A panel of three judges approved by the government ruled Monday that Lai conspired with others to collude with foreign forces and took part in publishing what authorities described as seditious material.

Lai, 78, is the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, once one of Hong Kong’s most widely read and outspokenly critical publications. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, arguing that his actions amounted to journalism and political expression rather than threats to national security.

The convictions were handed down under Hong Kong’s national security law, which grants courts broad powers and carries penalties of up to life imprisonment for the most serious offences. The court scheduled a mitigation hearing for January, after which a sentence will be determined.

Lai’s family said in a brief statement that they were saddened by the verdict but not surprised, given the political climate surrounding national security cases. International human rights organizations and several Western governments have repeatedly raised concerns that the law has curtailed press freedom and dissent in the city, claims Hong Kong and Chinese officials have rejected.

The case is seen as a defining moment for media freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong, particularly for journalists and publishers operating in environments where national security legislation intersects with freedom of expression.