Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Convicted Under National Security Law
Just the facts
Politics

Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Convicted Under National Security Law

Summary

Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, has been found guilty of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials under Hong Kong's national security law.

On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong's High Court convicted 78-year-old media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai on charges of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials under the national security law imposed by Beijing.

Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was accused of leading efforts to destabilize the Chinese government by encouraging foreign sanctions. Prosecutors presented evidence including 161 publications and records of Lai’s interactions with U.S. officials.

The trial, which lasted 156 days, was closely monitored by international observers concerned about Hong Kong's judicial independence and press freedom. Lai, who has been in custody since 2020 and spent much of that time in solitary confinement, faces the possibility of life imprisonment.

Rights organizations have condemned the verdict, stating it marks a significant blow to press freedom and civil liberties in Hong Kong.

Source

The New York Times

First reported

Hong Kong Court Begins Closing Arguments in Jimmy Lai's National Security Trial

• BBC

Fact-checking

Fact-check the facts of the article using external sources and databases.

✓
Confirmed

On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong's High Court convicted 78-year-old media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai on charges of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials under the national security law imposed by Beijing.

✓
Confirmed

Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was accused of leading efforts to destabilize the Chinese government by encouraging foreign sanctions.

✓
Confirmed

The trial, which lasted 156 days, was closely monitored by international observers concerned about Hong Kong's judicial independence and press freedom.

✓
Confirmed

Lai, who has been in custody since 2020 and spent much of that time in solitary confinement, faces the possibility of life imprisonment.

Keep reading — for free

Create a free account to follow the news. No card required.