Hong Kong’s High Court on December 15, 2025, convicted Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now‑closed pro‑democracy newspaper Apple Daily, under the city’s national security law. Lai, 78, was found guilty of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material, charges that could carry a life sentence.
Lai has long been a vocal critic of Beijing’s policies in Hong Kong and was one of the city’s most prominent pro-democracy figures. Authorities accused him of seeking foreign support to undermine Hong Kong and Chinese sovereignty. During the trial, judges reviewed extensive evidence, including communications suggesting Lai conspired with foreign entities to influence political outcomes in the city.
The trial, conducted without a jury, began after Beijing enacted the national security law in 2020, following widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019. Lai was arrested shortly after the law came into effect and remained in detention throughout the legal proceedings. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
Lai’s case has drawn international attention, as many see it as a critical test of press freedom in Hong Kong. Western governments and human rights organizations condemned the conviction, warning it marks a further erosion of civil liberties in the semi-autonomous city. Beijing and Hong Kong authorities defended the verdict, stating it reflects enforcement of lawful measures to protect national security.
Often referred to as the “Rupert Murdoch of Asia”, Lai built a major media empire and played a key role in shaping Hong Kong’s press landscape. Apple Daily, which was forced to shut down in 2021 under government pressure, had been widely recognized for its investigative reporting and pro-democracy stance.
Lai’s conviction is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong, including the arrests of other activists, journalists, and opposition figures under the national security law. Sentencing for Lai will be scheduled at a later date, with legal experts suggesting he could face decades in prison or even life imprisonment.
