Hong Kong ex-media mogul Jimmy Lai will not appeal national security conviction, legal team says

Associated Press (AP)EN 3 min read 100% complete by By KANIS LEUNGMarch 6, 2026 at 11:23 AM

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Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong publisher and pro-democracy advocate, will not appeal his national security conviction and 20-year prison sentence, his legal team announced. Lai was convicted in December for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publish seditious articles. The decision ends a years-long legal battle that began with his arrest in 2020 under the national security law, which led to the closure of his newspaper, Apple Daily, known for its criticism of the Chinese government. His lengthy sentence has sparked international concern, with figures like U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for his release. However, Chinese and Hong Kong authorities maintain the sentencing reflects the rule of law.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United Kingdom 30% Yvette Cooper 30% Xi Jinping 30% Beijing ×240% Donald Trump ×250% Communist Party of China 60% Apple Daily ×270% China ×680% Hong Kong ×790% Jimmy Lai ×10100%

Keywords

jimmy lai 100% national security conviction 90% hong kong 80% apple daily 70% freedom of expression 70% press freedom 70% china 70% political prisoner 60% sedition 60% rule of law 50%