Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai convicted to life in prison

Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon and a prominent pro-democracy figure, has been convicted on charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and of publishing seditious materials through his newspaper, Apple Daily.

He faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment.

Lai is the founder of Giordano, a major Asian clothing retailer, as well as Next Digital (formerly Next Media), a Hong Kong–listed media conglomerate.

According to the Guardian and Amnesty International, Lai’s conviction is based on activities that include meetings with U.S. politicians, interviews with overseas media outlets, posts on his Twitter account, and opinion articles.

Hong Kong’s chief executive claimed these actions “damaged the country’s interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers”.

The verdict has drawn significant local and international criticism because Lai was convicted under the 2020 National Security Law, legislation that was enacted after the alleged activities had taken place.

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Lai pleaded not guilty to all charges, stating that he never called for sanctions after the National Security Law came into effect, as doing so would have been “suicidal”.

Despite holding UK citizenship, the 78-year-old has been denied bail and barred from international legal representation during his trial. The case has been repeatedly delayed and has now stretched on for nearly five years.

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Lai was first detained in 2020 and has since spent approximately 1,800 days in prison. During this time, his family has reported a significant deterioration in his health.

The European Union, U.S. President Donald Trump, the Australian government, the British Foreign Secretary, and Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council have all expressed concern over the guilty verdict.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has personally called for Lai’s release. Starmer is expected to visit Beijing in January, while a final ruling in Jimmy Lai’s case is anticipated in early 2026.

Daniela Solano is a freelance writer for Mixmag Asia, follow her on Instagram here.

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