‘Evil deeds’: Hong Kong leader praises lengthy jail sentence for Jimmy Lai

Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, 78, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for national security offenses. The sentence follows his December conviction on charges of sedition and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, to which he pleaded not guilty. Lai's family has expressed distress over the "heartbreakingly cruel" sentence, citing his declining health. The case highlights ongoing concerns about freedom of speech and political dissent in Hong Kong. Amy Hawkins, the Guardian's senior China correspondent, discusses the case in a YouTube video.

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and media mogul, was sentenced to 20 years in prison under Beijing's national security law, a sentence rights groups deem effectively a life sentence. Lai, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily, was convicted on charges including foreign collusion and seditious publication, stemming from his arrest in August 2020. The sentencing highlights China's crackdown on pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong following the 2019 protests against Beijing's expanding powers. China imposed the national security law in 2020, criminalizing protest and subversion, leading to a high conviction rate for pro-democracy activists. Lai's case has garnered international attention, raising concerns about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old former Hong Kong publisher and democracy advocate, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted in December of colluding with foreign forces and conspiring to publish seditious articles. The sentencing of Lai, a British citizen, has drawn international concern from foreign governments and rights groups, who have called for his release. Co-defendants who pleaded guilty received sentences ranging from six years and three months to 10 years. China's Foreign Ministry defended the sentence, maintaining that Lai is a Chinese citizen and urging other countries to respect its sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The EU reiterated its call for Lai's immediate and unconditional release, citing his age and health.

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.

Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday for violating the national security law. The Hong Kong court convicted the 78-year-old on charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and conspiring to print seditious materials. Six former executives of Lai's Apple Daily newspaper received sentences ranging from six years and nine months to 10 years. Two activists who testified for the prosecution were also jailed. The sentences mark a significant development in the ongoing tensions between China and the West regarding Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom of the press.

Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison under Hong Kong's national security law, imposed by China after the 2019 protests. The sentence is the harshest punishment handed down under the law, which China defends as essential for Hong Kong's stability. Lai, a prominent critic of China and owner of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted of conspiracy and other charges. Six former Apple Daily executives and two activists also received sentences ranging from six years and three months to 10 years. Supporters gathered outside the court, while Lai's son criticized the sentence and the UK government's response. Hong Kong authorities maintain the sentencing demonstrates the city's rule of law.

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old pro-democracy media mogul, was sentenced in a Hong Kong court to 20 years in prison under the national security law. The conviction falls under the most severe penalty band of the law, which carries a sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment. Lai smiled and waved at the public gallery after the sentencing. His wife, Teresa, was present in the courtroom, appearing expressionless. The sentencing is the latest development in Lai's ongoing legal battles related to national security charges in Hong Kong.

Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media mogul and founder of Apple Daily newspaper, will be sentenced following his conviction on national security charges. Lai was found guilty in December of foreign collusion under Hong Kong's national security law and seditious publication. He faces life imprisonment if convicted. Global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have called for Lai's release. Rights groups say his trial is a death knell for press freedom in Hong Kong. The sentencing session is scheduled for Monday morning, with eight co-defendants also set to be sentenced alongside Lai, who has been behind bars since 2020.

On Monday, a Hong Kong court will sentence Jimmy Lai, former media owner, and his associates for violating the national security law by conspiring to collude with foreign forces. The sentencing, overseen by three High Court judges selected by the city leader, will also include six former executives of Lai's Apple Daily newspaper, three related companies, and two activists. Lai has been in custody since December 2020, spending nearly five years and two months in jail. The hearing is scheduled for 10 am at West Kowloon Court, attracting significant public and media attention, with people camping out to secure admission.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be sentenced on Monday after being convicted in December under a Beijing-imposed national security law. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, faces a possible life sentence. He was arrested in 2020 under the national security law, accused of conspiring with foreign forces and publishing seditious articles. The trial is seen as a sign of declining press freedom in Hong Kong, though the government denies this. The sentencing is expected to increase tensions between Beijing and foreign governments, who have criticized Lai's conviction and called for his release. Several former Apple Daily journalists and activists, co-defendants in the case, will also learn their fate on Monday.