Event Summary
On 15 December 2025, Hong Kong’s High Court convicted Jimmy Lai, 78-year-old founder of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the National Security Law and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. Lai has been in custody since 31 December 2020—over 1,800 days—and faces potential life imprisonment, with sentencing expected early 2026. Judge Esther Toh stated there is “no doubt” Lai “harboured hatred” for the People’s Republic of China, citing his “constant invitation to the US to help bring down the government.” The court found Lai used Apple Daily as part of efforts to lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. Lai had pleaded not guilty, testifying he “never” used foreign contacts to influence policy and had only “relayed what happened in Hong Kong” when asked. The conviction also found him guilty of publishing seditious material under colonial-era law. Lai appeared calm as verdict was read and waved goodbye to family as escorted from courtroom. His wife Teresa, one son, and Cardinal Joseph Zen attended.
On 23 December 2025, five UN human rights experts issued joint statement expressing dismay at the conviction, calling it symbolic of “sharp decline in fundamental freedoms and judicial independence” and urging immediate release on humanitarian grounds given Lai’s age and health. The experts noted serious due process failures including allegations that prosecution witnesses were tortured in China—allegations neither investigated nor excluded. They emphasized the conviction deliberately deepens civil society chilling effects, targeting independent journalists whose only “crime” is seeking to freely express views.