Pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai convicted of foreign collusion and sedition in a landmark Hong Kong national security trial
HONG KONG: Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was found guilty on Monday of foreign collusion and seditious publication in a landmark national security trial.
The 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper was convicted on two counts of conspiring with foreign forces.
Prosecutors said Lai masterminded plots to ask foreign countries to impose sanctions or take hostile actions against Hong Kong and China.
Judge Esther Toh told the court Lai had harboured “resentment and hatred” of China for many years.
She stated it was clear Lai had long considered how the United States could leverage pressure against China.
Lai listened impassively to the verdicts with folded arms and did not speak.
He now faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for a later date.
Dozens of police officers were deployed around the West Kowloon court building for the ruling.
Consular representatives from the United States, the European Union and France were among those observing the case.
Lai’s wife, son, and veterans from Hong Kong’s pro-democracy camp attended the court session.
The case has become a major point of contention between Beijing and Western governments.
US President Donald Trump reportedly called for Lai’s release during an October meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The British government has repeatedly described the prosecution of the British citizen as politically motivated.
The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the ruling as a “sham conviction”.
Its Asia-Pacific director said the verdict underscored Hong Kong’s contempt for press freedom.
Beijing said on Friday it firmly supports Hong Kong in safeguarding national security from criminal acts.
Before the verdict, a former Apple Daily employee said Lai wished for a free and democratic China.
Supporters outside court expressed concern for Lai’s health after his long imprisonment.
His family recently said he had lost significant weight and showed decay to his nails and teeth.
The Hong Kong government stated Lai has received adequate and comprehensive medical care.
Authorities confirmed Lai had been held in solitary confinement at his own request.
Prosecutors cited 161 items published by Apple Daily in their sedition case against Lai.
Those items included op-eds with Lai’s byline and online talk shows he hosted.
Lai was also accused of masterminding and funding the protest group “Stand with Hong Kong, Fight for Freedom”.
He countered that he never sought to influence other countries’ foreign policies.
Lai said Apple Daily represented Hongkongers’ core values of rule of law and freedom.
The newspaper was forced to close in 2021 following police raids on its offices.
Six top Apple Daily executives were charged as co-defendants and have already pleaded guilty. – AFP
