Jimmy Lai Gets 20 Years in Prison

A court in Hong Kong has given media owner Jimmy Lai a 20-year jail sentence. He was found guilty of charges related to national security. Many groups outside Hong Kong are unhappy and say this hurts freedom of the press.
By Newsroom | World News, Hong Kong |

A Hong Kong court has handed down a 20-year prison sentence to media mogul Jimmy Lai following his conviction on national security charges. The verdict, which has drawn swift and strong criticism from international bodies including the European Union and the UK, is seen by many as a severe blow to press freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong. Lai, a prominent critic of the Chinese government, has been in custody for over 1,800 days, much of it in solitary confinement.

EU calls for ‘immediate’ release of Jimmy Lai after ‘politically motivated prosecution’ – Europe live - 1

Background and Proceedings

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old former media tycoon and a vocal critic of Beijing, was found guilty of sedition and collusion in a landmark national security case. The charges stem from his activities related to his now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, and his advocacy for international sanctions against China. The court ruled that Lai was the "mastermind" behind alleged foreign collusion conspiracies. His sentencing on February 9, 2026, concludes a trial that has been under intense international scrutiny. Lai's family has expressed grave concerns for his health, citing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart issues, and noting a significant decline during his detention.

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EU calls for ‘immediate’ release of Jimmy Lai after ‘politically motivated prosecution’ – Europe live - 2

International Reactions and Calls for Release

The sentencing has elicited widespread condemnation from Western governments and international organizations.

EU calls for ‘immediate’ release of Jimmy Lai after ‘politically motivated prosecution’ – Europe live - 3

  • European Union (EU): The EU has repeatedly called for Lai's "immediate and unconditional release," describing the prosecution as "politically motivated" and emblematic of the erosion of democracy and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong since the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020. A statement from the EU spokesperson emphasized that national security trials like Lai's undermine confidence in Hong Kong's legal system, which is crucial for its standing as an international financial center. The EU urges Hong Kong and China to honor their international legal commitments.

  • United Kingdom (UK): The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, stated that Lai was sentenced for "exercising his right to freedom of expression" following a "politically motivated prosecution." The British government has indicated it will engage further on the case, with the Prime Minister having previously raised Lai's case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

  • United States (US): Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced strong support for Lai and committed to working towards his release.

  • Human Rights Organizations: Groups such as Human Rights Watch have characterized the sentence as "effectively a death sentence," highlighting fears for Lai's well-being. Reporters Without Borders stated that "today the curtain falls on press freedom in Hong Kong." The International Press Institute has also strongly condemned the sentence.

  • European Parliament: The European Parliament has condemned Lai's conviction and reiterated calls for his immediate release, noting he is being held under "life-threatening conditions" and that his treatment violates China's international legal obligations. They have warned of "severe consequences for EU-China relations."

Arguments and Counterarguments

Critique of Prosecution and Sentence

Critics argue that the charges against Jimmy Lai are fabricated and politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent and curtailing freedom of expression in Hong Kong.

Read More: Hong Kong Father Convicted in Security Law Case

EU calls for ‘immediate’ release of Jimmy Lai after ‘politically motivated prosecution’ – Europe live - 4

  • The EU explicitly labels the prosecution as "politically motivated."

  • The European Parliament resolution highlights that the charges, from the prosecution's own case, involve "practising journalism, speaking to politicians about politics, and raising concerns about accountability for human rights violations."

  • Lai's son, Sebastien Lai, has warned that the court's decision amounts to a "life sentence" given his father's age and health.

  • International bodies view the sentence as a symbol of the declining rule of law and democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Court's Rationale

The Hong Kong court's verdict and sentencing indicate a different interpretation of Lai's actions and their impact.

  • The court found Lai guilty of sedition and collusion, concluding he was the "mastermind" in foreign collusion conspiracies.

  • The court also stated that Lai used Apple Daily to call for international sanctions against China and Hong Kong.

  • Hong Kong leader John Lee stated that Lai "harmed the fundamental interests of the country," characterizing his intentions as malicious.

  • Regarding Lai's health complaints, the Hong Kong government stated that a medical examination following his complaint of heart problems found "no abnormalities."

Family and Health Concerns

Jimmy Lai's family has been a prominent voice in raising concerns about his well-being.

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  • His son, Sebastien Lai, has stated that his father's health has worsened significantly in prison, where he has spent over 1,800 days, much of it in solitary confinement.

  • Reports indicate Jimmy Lai suffers from conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations.

  • His family has described his nails becoming discolored and falling off, and his teeth rotting.

  • Despite these reports, the Hong Kong court was reportedly "not inclined to give Jimmy Lai sentence deductions due to health conditions."

Jimmy Lai has the right to appeal his verdict and sentence. Discussions regarding potential negotiations for his release were reported to begin in earnest after his sentencing, contingent on whether he appeals. The case's trajectory is expected to continue to be closely watched, with potential ramifications for EU-China relations. The European Parliament has urged the European Council and EU Member States to take "robust, concrete action" to secure Lai's liberty.

Sources

Read More: Jimmy Lai Gets 20 Years in Prison in Hong Kong

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Jimmy Lai sent to prison?
He was found guilty of national security charges, including sedition and working with people outside Hong Kong.
Q: How long is his sentence?
He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Q: What do other countries think?
Many countries and groups like the EU and UK are unhappy and say the trial was unfair and hurts freedom.
Q: Is Jimmy Lai okay in prison?
His family says his health is bad and he has diabetes and heart problems. They worry about him.
Q: Will he try to get out of prison?
He has the right to ask a higher court to look at his case again.