Jimmy Lai, media founder and a prominent advocate for democracy and freedom of expression in Hong Kong, has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment,  the harshest penalty imposed to date under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law.

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Mr. Lai, aged 78, was convicted of offences including “collusion with foreign forces” and publication-related charges in a landmark national security case. Given his age, the severity of the sentence may effectively amount to life imprisonment and further undermines confidence in the protection of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong.

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In the same proceedings, six former Apple Daily newsroom and management figures also received prison sentences. Lam Man-chung, Ryan Law and Fung Wai-kong were each sentenced to 10 years, while Cheung Kim-hung received six years and nine months, Chan Pui-man seven years, and Yeung Ching-kee seven years and three months. All had previously admitted one count of “collusion with foreign forces” under the National Security Law.

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These rulings go far beyond the punishment of individuals. They reflect the ongoing criminalisation of journalism, peaceful expression, and international engagement in Hong Kong. The prosecution of media professionals for editorial and publishing activities directly undermines fundamental freedoms protected under international human rights law.

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We are particularly concerned that, given Mr. Lai’s age, this sentence risks becoming a de facto life sentence. More broadly, the case illustrates a continuing pattern: independent media dismantled, journalists prosecuted, civil society disbanded, and legal safeguards weakened. The space for free expression in Hong Kong is rapidly disappearing.

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The European Hong Kong Diaspora Alliance will continually call on the Hong Kong authorities to end politically motivated prosecutions, immediately and unconditionally free Jimmy Lai, and fully restore the rights and freedoms protected under the Basic Law and international law.

 

About The European Hong Kong Diaspora Alliance:

The European Hong Kong Diaspora Alliance is a coalition of organizations and individuals across Europe dedicated to supporting the Hong Kong diaspora and advocating for the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. 

Organisational members:

Befria Hongkong (Sweden)

Finnish Hongkongers (Finland)

Freiheit für Hongkong (Germany)

Hong Kong Committee in Norway (Norway)

Hongkongi Maja (Estonia)

Netherlands for Hong Kong (Netherlands)

PL4HK (Poland)

Støt Hongkong (Denmark)