Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and of publishing seditious material, in a case that has sharply divided opinion at home and abroad over national security, press freedom and the rule of law.
The High Court ruled that Lai used his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper and overseas contacts to lobby foreign governments to take action against Hong Kong and China, with Judge Esther Toh stating there was “no doubt” Lai harboured hostility toward the Chinese state and had repeatedly invited the United States to intervene.
Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee said the verdict showed Lai’s actions had “damaged the country’s interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers,” while state-linked media argued the case demonstrated that “press freedom is not a shield” for political mobilisation, foreign interference or incitement during the 2019 protests, which authorities say descended into widespread violence and threatened public order.
Critics, however, describe the conviction as politically driven and emblematic of the impact of the National Security Law, which was imposed after the protests without legislative debate.
Rights groups called the ruling “a cruel judicial farce,” with Human Rights Watch saying the case was aimed at silencing critics of Beijing. Lai, who pleaded not guilty and denied asking foreign officials for sanctions, told the court he had only relayed information when questioned by figures such as former US vice president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo.
Western governments including the UK condemned the verdict, describing it as persecution for peaceful expression, while Hong Kong authorities insist the courts acted independently and that the law is essential for stability. Lai, 78, has been in custody since 2020 and faces a possible life sentence when sentencing is handed down next year.
