Jimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong pro-democracy figure convicted of national security offences

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Helen Davidson in Hong KongDecember 15, 2025 at 04:07 AM

Read Original Article

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Hong Kong pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai was convicted of national security and sedition offenses in Hong Kong, potentially facing a life sentence. The charges stem from a conspiracy to publish seditious materials and collusion with foreign forces under the city's national security law and a colonial-era sedition law. Judges deemed Lai a "mastermind" seeking to destabilize the Chinese government through his media outlet, Apple Daily, and foreign connections. Lai has been jailed since 2020, already serving sentences for protest-related activities. Rights groups have condemned the verdict as a sham and an attack on press freedom, with concerns raised about Lai's health in prison. He has the opportunity to appeal, with the next court date scheduled for January 12.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Committee to Protect Journalists 50% Chinese Communist Party (CCP) 60% Hong Kong ×370% Jimmy Lai ×680%

Keywords

jimmy lai 100% national security offences 90% hong kong 80% sedition 70% pro-democracy 70% national security law 70% chinese communist party 60% press freedom 60% conviction 50% foreign collusion 50%