Hong Kong Jails Media Mogul Jimmy Lai, Triggering Global Backlash

Hong Kong’s judiciary has sentenced Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, to 20 years in prison under the city’s sweeping national security law, a move that has intensified international criticism over the erosion of civil liberties in the territory.

The verdict marks one of the most severe penalties handed down since Beijing imposed the national security framework in 2020. Prosecutors accused Lai of colluding with foreign forces and undermining state authority through his media activities and political advocacy. The court ruled that his actions posed a serious threat to national security, justifying the lengthy sentence.

Lai, a prominent critic of Beijing and a symbol of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, has denied the charges throughout the trial. Supporters argue that his prosecution is politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissenting voices in the city’s once-vibrant press landscape. Apple Daily, known for its outspoken reporting, was forced to shut down after authorities froze its assets, a decision that sent shockwaves through global media circles.

The sentence drew immediate condemnation from Western governments. Officials in the United States and the United Kingdom described the ruling as a blow to press freedom and the rule of law, calling for Lai’s release and urging China to honor its international commitments regarding Hong Kong’s autonomy. Human rights organizations echoed those concerns, warning that the case sets a chilling precedent for journalists and activists.

Beijing and Hong Kong authorities rejected the criticism, insisting that the case was handled strictly in accordance with the law. Government representatives emphasized that national security laws are necessary for stability and apply equally to all, regardless of status or international attention.

Within Hong Kong, the ruling has deepened fears about the future of free expression. Media outlets have increasingly adopted cautious editorial lines, and several journalists have left the city in recent years, citing legal uncertainty. Analysts say Lai’s sentence may accelerate that trend, reshaping Hong Kong’s role as a global media hub.

As Jimmy Lai begins a lengthy prison term, the case stands as a defining moment in Hong Kong’s post-2020 era—one that continues to strain relations between China and the West and raises enduring questions about freedom, governance, and the limits of dissent in the city.