China critic Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison

Hong Kong's most prominent critic of China, media mogul Jimmy Lai, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday, marking the conclusion of the city's highest-profile national security case. The case has intensified global concerns over Beijing's tightening control over freedoms in the former British colony.

Lai, 78, was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials. His sentence brings to an end a nearly five-year legal battle. A British citizen, Lai has denied all charges, describing himself as a "political prisoner" and claiming he was being persecuted by Beijing.

Lai, the founder of the outspoken Apple Daily newspaper (now closed) was arrested in August 2020 and convicted in 2022. His sentence falls within the harshest penalty range for serious crimes, reflecting the belief of the three judges that Lai was the key figure behind "persistent" conspiracies to collude with foreign powers. Prosecutors presented evidence showing the conspiracies involved attempts to influence sanctions, blockades, and other hostile actions from the U.S. and other countries, with ties to Apple Daily staff, activists, and foreigners.

Six former senior staff members of Apple Daily, along with an activist and a paralegal, were also handed sentences ranging from six to 10 years.

The judges explained, "Lai was no doubt the mastermind of all three conspiracies charged and therefore he warrants a heavier sentence,"

Lai’s sentencing has sparked international outrage. The U.S., Britain, Australia, the EU, Japan, and Taiwan have all expressed grave concerns about the sentence's implications for freedoms in Hong Kong.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the ruling "unjust and tragic," condemning China's tactics to silence advocates for basic freedoms in Hong Kong. He urged the authorities to grant Lai humanitarian parole, a sentiment echoed by British officials and UN rights chief Volker Turk.

Britain's Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, pledged to "engage rapidly" on Lai's case, while also expanding a visa program for Hong Kong residents wishing to relocate to the UK. In contrast, a Chinese embassy spokesperson in London criticized Britain for interfering in Hong Kong's legal system, urging the UK to "respect China's judicial sovereignty" and stop "shielding criminals."

The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, under China's State Council, praised the sentence as a "strong declaration" that those who challenge national security laws will face severe consequences. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, stated that Lai’s crimes were "heinous" and "beyond measure."

Lai's trial has drawn widespread criticism from global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. These concerns are fueled by Lai’s prominent international profile as a pro-democracy advocate and his strong political ties, particularly within the U.S. Republican Party, connections referenced by prosecutors during his trial.

In 2019, during Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests, Lai met with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Last year, former President Trump directly appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping for Lai’s release.

The national security law, imposed by Beijing in 2020, was presented as a necessary step to restore order in Hong Kong following months of violent protests.

Lai's supporters are deeply concerned about his health. The 78-year-old is reported to suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure, raising fears that he may not survive in prison. His son, Sebastien, described the sentence as "devastating" and said it represented the "total destruction" of Hong Kong's legal system.

Sebastien, also a British citizen, added, "Much more needs to be done and quickly because, if not, he's going to pass away in prison." He urged Britain to reconsider its approach to relations with China in light of the case.

Hong Kong police downplayed the health concerns, with Steve Li, head of the national security department, calling the reports "exaggerated."

Officials in Beijing and Hong Kong maintain that Lai has received a fair trial and insist that the national security law has been crucial in restoring order to the city.

Lai’s supporters, some of whom waited days to attend the trial, continue to rally behind him. One supporter, 64-year-old Sum, remarked, "I feel that Mr. Lai is the conscience of Hong Kong."