Hong Kong’s courts handed pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai a 20-year prison sentence on Monday, marking the most severe punishment under the city’s controversial national security law.
Lai, a British citizen and outspoken critic of Beijing, was found guilty last December of offences linked to the law, which Chinese authorities say is necessary to maintain stability in the territory.
Six former executives of Lai’s Apple Daily newspaper were also sentenced, receiving terms ranging from six years and nine months to 10 years.
A hero to pro-democracy supporters, Lai has long been cast as a traitor by Beijing. He has consistently denied the charges, calling them politically motivated.
“The way he used Apple Daily to poison the minds of citizens cannot be ignored,” Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said, praising the court’s decision.
The British government condemned the sentence, calling for Lai’s release and pledging to “rapidly engage further” with Beijing.
Lai’s family voiced their anguish. His son Sebastien told the BBC that the punishment was “basically a death sentence,” highlighting the human toll of the ruling.
The case has deepened international concerns over Hong Kong’s autonomy and press freedom, with critics saying the national security law is being wielded to silence dissent and intimidate the city’s pro-democracy movement.
Despite widespread criticism, the sentence is seen in Beijing and the Hong Kong government as a warning to others who challenge the authorities, reinforcing the city’s tightened political landscape.
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