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Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in national security trial
Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily and pro-democracy activist, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on national security charges including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publish seditious materials.
Why It Matters
The case highlights tensions over Hong Kong's national security law imposed by Beijing, impacting press freedom and dissent, drawing international criticism from the US, UK, and others.
Timeline
8 Events
Sentenced to 20 years in prison
Monday, 2026
Hong Kong High Court sentenced Jimmy Lai to a total of 20 years at 10am local time; eight co-defendants also sentenced after guilty pleas.
Convicted on national security charges
December 2025
Three judges convicted Lai of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.
Lai concludes testimony
2024
Jimmy Lai testified for 52 days in his defense during the 156-day trial.
Trial resumes
November 20, 2024
The trial resumed with Lai's testimony; he pleaded not guilty to collusion charges.
Trial adjourns and reschedules
June 11, 2024
The trial, initially planned for 80 days, concluded its main phase; mid-trial submissions held July 24-25, 2024, with resumption set for November 20, 2024.
National security trial begins
December 18, 2023
Jimmy Lai's national security trial commenced after over 1,000 days in custody.
Bail overturned and fraud charge
December 2020
Lai's bail was overturned and he was charged with fraud, leading to his continued detention.
Jimmy Lai arrested for collusion with foreign forces
August 10, 2020
Hong Kong police arrested Jimmy Lai at his home under the new national security law for alleged collusion with foreign forces.