HONG KONG (AP) — In a significant legal development, Jimmy Lai, a prominent former media mogul and advocate for democracy in Hong Kong, was found guilty in a national security trial on Monday. The ruling, delivered by three judges approved by the government, could potentially result in Lai spending the remainder of his life behind bars.
The 78-year-old was convicted of collaborating with foreign forces to destabilize China’s national security, alongside charges of publishing seditious materials. Despite his not guilty plea, the court found him culpable.
Lai’s arrest in August 2020 followed the enforcement of a national security law imposed by Beijing after widespread protests in 2019. During his five-year detention, often in isolation, Lai’s health reportedly deteriorated. He also faces convictions for lesser crimes related to fraud and his involvement in the 2019 protests.
The trial, which was conducted without a jury, has drawn international scrutiny from entities like the U.S., U.K., and E.U. The verdict is seen as a critical indicator of the state of judicial independence and press freedom in Hong Kong, which reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
Judges Cite Continued Anti-Beijing Activities
Judge Esther Toh, reading from an extensive 855-page decision, asserted that Lai persistently invited U.S. intervention to undermine the Chinese regime under the guise of aiding Hong Kong residents. Although Lai’s legal team acknowledged his sanctions appeals before the law’s enactment, they argued he ceased these calls subsequently. However, the judges concluded that Lai’s efforts to destabilize China’s ruling party persisted in subtler forms.
The court deemed Lai as the orchestrator of the conspiracies, noting inconsistencies and unreliability in his testimony. The judges inferred that Lai’s actions were driven by a singular objective: the downfall of the Communist Party, even at the expense of Hong Kong and China’s populace.
“This was the ultimate aim of the conspiracies and secessionist publications,” the judges noted. Observers in the courtroom included Lai’s family and Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen. Before leaving the courtroom, Lai acknowledged his family with a nod.
The case has diplomatic ramifications, with the U.S. and U.K. actively discussing the situation with China. U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both emphasized the importance of Lai’s release, given his British citizenship.
Potential Life Sentence Looms
Lai, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, awaits sentencing. The charge of collusion could lead to a life sentence. Hearings for a reduced sentence for Lai and co-defendants are scheduled for January 12.
In 2021, the Apple Daily, a vocal critic of Hong Kong’s administration and Beijing, was shut down after police raids and asset freezes.
During the lengthy 156-day trial, prosecutors accused Lai of collaborating with Apple Daily’s senior executives and others to incite foreign sanctions or blockades against Hong Kong and China. The prosecution highlighted Lai’s meetings with U.S. political figures like former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2019.
A total of 161 publications, including articles and social media posts, were presented as evidence. Lai testified for 52 days, arguing his cessation of sanctions calls post-law implementation. His defense also emphasized the right to freedom of expression.
Health Concerns Amidst Lengthy Proceedings
Throughout the trial, concerns about Lai’s health were raised. In August, his legal team informed the court about Lai’s heart issues. Post-verdict, lawyer Robert Pang mentioned that Lai was in reasonable spirits while the legal team examined the verdict.
Prior to the ruling, Lai’s daughter, Claire, shared with The Associated Press that her father had weakened, losing nails and teeth, and suffered from various health issues, including diabetes and heart problems.
Authorities in Hong Kong reported no medical anomalies following a health check, asserting that Lai received sufficient medical care. Chief Executive John Lee accused Lai of harming China’s core interests, while police’s National Security Department head, Steve Li, dismissed health deterioration claims.
International Reactions and Local Sentiment
U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper denounced the trial’s outcome on X, labeling it as a politically driven prosecution, and vowed to continue advocating for Lai’s release.
Conversely, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized foreign countries for misrepresenting Hong Kong’s judiciary, urging respect for its legal system.
Rights groups, including Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International, condemned the ruling. “It is not an individual who has been on trial — it is press freedom itself,” remarked Reporters Without Borders’ Thibaut Bruttin.
Hong Kong’s Security Secretary Chris Tang refuted claims of press freedom suppression. Despite the early hour, numerous residents lined up outside the courthouse, eager to witness the proceedings.
Tammy Cheung, a former Apple Daily staff member, arrived at 5 a.m. to learn more about Lai’s health, expressing relief that the trial was nearing its conclusion.
