Ex-media boss Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years under national security law

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Brian WongFebruary 9, 2026 at 04:36 PM

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Former Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday under the national security law for conspiring to collude with foreign forces and print seditious materials. The Hong Kong High Court delivered the sentence, which mainland Chinese authorities hailed as a warning against challenging the law. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, faces a lengthy imprisonment, potentially until he is 96. Several other former Apple Daily executives received sentences ranging from six years and nine months to 10 years, while two activists were jailed for up to seven years and three months. In addition, fines exceeding HK$9 million were imposed on three companies linked to the newspaper's operations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

West Kowloon Court 40% John Lee Ka-chiu 50% China 70% Apple Daily ×270% Hong Kong 80% Jimmy Lai Chee-ying ×490%

Keywords

jimmy lai 100% national security law 100% jail sentence 90% hong kong 80% apple daily 70% sedition 60% collusion with foreign forces 60% media boss 50% political punishment 40%

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Very Negative

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South China Morning Post

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