A Hong Kong court has found prominent pro-democracy media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai guilty of multiple national security offences, delivering a verdict that critics say underscores Beijing’s tightening grip on dissent and press freedom in the semi-autonomous city. The decision follows a high-profile, months-long trial that drew global scrutiny and widespread condemnation from rights groups and foreign governments.
Lai, a British citizen and founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted of charges tied to the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The indictments included accusations of colluding with foreign forces to destabilise state power — provisions widely criticised by international observers for their broad and vague definitions.
The verdict was handed down after testimony, documentary evidence, and witness statements were presented over several days in the High Court of Hong Kong, where Lai and his legal team argued that his actions were peaceful expressions of belief and journalistic work. Supporters outside the courtroom expressed shock and anger at the ruling, describing it as a blow to freedom of expression in the city that once championed civil liberties distinct from mainland China.
Hong Kong authorities maintained that the proceedings were fair and in line with legal obligations under the National Security Law, emphasising the need to safeguard stability and sovereignty. Government statements framed the conviction as a necessary enforcement of laws designed to protect the region’s long-term prosperity.
International reactions were swift. Western governments, including the United Kingdom and the United States, condemned the verdict and called for Lai’s immediate release, warning that the ruling could further damage Hong Kong’s reputation as a global financial hub with legal autonomy. Rights organisations echoed these concerns, arguing that the case illustrates how the National Security Law has eroded the “one country, two systems” framework that is supposed to guarantee freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China.
Lai’s sentencing is expected in the coming weeks, with observers anticipating a significant prison term. Legal analysts say the verdict could dampen remaining pockets of dissent and accelerate the departure of critical voices from Hong Kong’s media and civil society landscape.
