Jimmy Lai Chee-ying

Jimmy Lai Chee-ying is the founder of the now-defunct Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily. He is currently serving a 20-year jail sentence for national security offenses. He is a prominent figure due to his pro-democracy stance and his media outlet's critical coverage of the Chinese government. Lai's case has drawn international attention, with Western officials and media outlets citing it as evidence of declining rule of law in Hong Kong. Recent news focuses on Hong Kong authorities' efforts to confiscate his properties linked to his alleged crimes. The Secretary for Justice has filed an application with the Court of First Instance for this purpose, with a hearing scheduled. Meanwhile, a former Apple Daily executive had a charge dropped after testifying against Lai, while another executive has appealed his 10-year sentence. Lai himself will not appeal his 20-year sentence. His biography is now considered seditious, leading to arrests of bookstore staff selling it. The UK and US have called for Lai's release, drawing condemnation from Hong Kong and Beijing, respectively.