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Jimmy Lai's National Security Trial in Hong Kong: Proceedings and Verdict
Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong media mogul and pro-democracy activist, faced trial under the National Security Law for collusion with foreign forces and sedition. The trial began in 2023, concluded in 2025, and resulted in a guilty verdict.
Why It Matters
The case highlights tensions over press freedom, national security laws, and Beijing's influence in Hong Kong, drawing international concern on human rights and judicial independence.
Timeline
14 Events
Guilty verdict issued
Unknown
Hong Kong court found Lai guilty on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of sedition.
Closing submissions end; trial concludes
August 28, 2025
Closing submissions concluded, ending the 156-day national security trial.
Closing submissions delayed due to health issue
August 15, 2025
Closing submissions delayed after Lai suffered heart palpitations; provided medication and monitor.
Lai finishes testimony
March 6, 2025
Lai completed his testimony after 52 court days.
Trial resumes; Lai begins testifying
November 20, 2024
After delays, the trial resumed with Lai beginning his testimony, denying intent to influence foreign policy.
NPCSC bars foreign lawyers from security cases
December 30, 2024
China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee empowered Hong Kong leader to bar non-local lawyers from national security cases, blocking Lai's UK lawyer.
Trial postponed pending Beijing decision
December 1, 2024
High Court postponed the trial to December 13 pending Beijing's decision on foreign lawyer.
Sentenced on fraud charge
December 10, 2024
Lai sentenced to five years and nine months on a fraud charge related to Next Digital’s lease.
Lai pleads not guilty
January 2, 2024
Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty to all charges in the national security trial.
National security trial begins
December 18, 2023
Lai's trial on national security charges under the National Security Law commenced.
Sentenced for Tiananmen vigil
December 13, 2023
Lai sentenced to 13 months in prison for participating in a banned Tiananmen Square vigil.
Secretary for Justice orders non-jury trial
July 30, 2022
Paul Lam ordered Lai's national security trial to proceed without a jury due to foreign factors.
Charged with collusion and sedition
December 2020
Lai was formally charged with three counts of collusion with foreign forces and one count of sedition.
Arrest of Jimmy Lai
August 10, 2020
Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, was arrested on suspicion of national security offenses.