Jimmy Lai Convicted: A Blow to Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Movement

Mon Feb 02 2026 22:26:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai faces life in prison after being convicted under Hong Kong's national security law for colluding with foreign forces, raising concerns about judicial independence and the suppression of dissent in the region.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai has been convicted of colluding with foreign entities under the controversial national security law, potentially leading to a life sentence. This trial has further fueled concerns regarding the erosion of judicial independence and the government's crackdown on dissenting voices. Lai's conviction has drawn international criticism amidst calls for his release and the repeal of the national security law.

Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the city's controversial national security law (NSL).

The 78-year-old UK citizen, who has been in jail since December 2020, pleaded not guilty. He faces life in prison and is expected to be sentenced early next year.

Lai used his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper as part of a wider effort to lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China, the court found.

Hong Kong chief executive John Lee welcomed the verdict, noting that Lai's actions damaged the country's interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers. Rights groups called it a cruel judicial farce.

They say the NSL, which Beijing defends as essential for the city's stability, has been used to crush dissent.

Delivering the verdict on Monday, Judge Esther Toh said there is no doubt that Jimmy Lai harboured hatred for the People's Republic of China (PRC), citing his constant invitation to the US to help bring down the government of the PRC with the excuse of helping the people of Hong Kong.

When Lai testified in November, he denied all the charges against him, stating he had never used his foreign contacts to influence foreign policy on Hong Kong.

Asked about his meeting with then US Vice President Mike Pence, Lai stated he merely relayed what had occurred in Hong Kong. His testimony highlighted the struggle for maintaining democratic values in the city amidst increasing authoritarianism.

Lai, who fled mainland China as a child and became a prominent voice for democracy in Hong Kong, has seen his journey transform from a successful businessman to a symbol of resistance against oppressive laws that curb freedoms.

International reactions have been swift, with the UK government condemning the conviction as politically motivated and calling for the NSL's repeal. As the world watches, Lai's case serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle between Hong Kong's pro-democracy forces and Beijing's tightening grip.