Hong Kong Court Convicts Jimmy Lai on National Security Charges

In a landmark national security trial in Hong Kong, a panel of three judges found Jimmy Lai, 78, guilty on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications. Lai, the founder of Apple Daily and longtime critic of Beijing, had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The charges carry severe penalties, with the most serious potential penalty being life imprisonment. The case was tried without a jury, a feature of security-law prosecutions, and Lai has spent more than five years in custody since his arrest in August 2020.

Lai appeared thinner and frailer in court as guards escorted him and as his wife and son watched. The courtroom offered little comfort for supporters who have long campaigned for greater media freedom in the city.

Observers from the United States, Britain and the European Union have monitored the proceedings as a barometer of press freedom and judicial independence in the former colony. Beijing has framed the national security law as necessary to restore stability after the 2019 protests.

The outcome follows a long period of pressure on Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, including the decision by the territory's largest pro-democracy party to disband after more than three decades of activity. The case underscores the continuing clash between national security and the freedoms that supporters say are essential to Hong Kong's identity.

Legal teams are expected to review the verdict and consider appeals; while Lai remains in custody, further hearings will determine the sentence. The city remains deeply attentive to how this case will shape the future of media, dissent and the overall rule of law in Hong Kong.

Cover image source: Hong Kong court to deliver verdicts on media mogul Jimmy Lai on December 15 🔗

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