Hong Kong Court Convicts Jimmy Lai on National Security Charges

On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong's High Court convicted pro-democracy activist and media tycoon Jimmy Lai on charges of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material under the national security law imposed by China. The 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper faces a potential life sentence.

The court found Lai guilty of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious material. Prosecutors presented evidence of Lai's meetings with U.S. officials and articles from Apple Daily as part of their case. Lai, who has been detained since December 2020, testified for 52 days, asserting his right to free expression and denying the charges.

The trial, conducted without a jury, has drawn international criticism. Human rights organizations and foreign governments have expressed concern over the erosion of press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong. China's Foreign Ministry responded by urging countries to respect China's sovereignty and refrain from interfering in Hong Kong's legal matters.

Lai's sentencing hearing is scheduled for January. His case is considered a significant test of Hong Kong's civic freedoms and the implementation of the national security law.