Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Jimmy Lai Convicted in Hong Kong National Security Trial
Jimmy Lai is a 78-year-old man who started a newspaper called Apple Daily in Hong Kong.
He has been in jail for over five years because the government says he talked to foreign countries to try to change things in Hong Kong.
Today, the court decided he is guilty.
He could stay in jail for the rest of his life.
Jimmy Lai has health problems and has been in jail alone for a long time.
His family and friends are worried about him.
Some countries and groups say the trial is not fair and that Jimmy Lai should be let go.
The court said Jimmy Lai wanted to make the government unstable and that he did not care about the people of China and Hong Kong.
His family and friends were in court to support him.
Many people around the world are watching this case because they think it is important for freedom and fairness in Hong Kong.
Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, was found guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious articles.
The trial lasted 156 days and is seen as a test case for Hong Kong's national security law, drawing international attention and calls for Lai's release.
Lai's Apple Daily newspaper was shut down in 2021 after police raids, and his assets have been frozen, leading to the closure of his media company.
Lai has been in custody for over 1,800 days, much of it in solitary confinement, and his health has deteriorated due to conditions like diabetes and heart palpitations.
The verdict comes at a delicate time for Hong Kong, with residents mourning a recent fire and authorities warning against any attempts to use the tragedy for political purposes.
- Who
- Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist
- What
- Conviction on charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious articles
- When
- December 15, 2025
- Where
- Hong Kong High Court
- Why
- Lai is accused of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and publishing seditious material, charges that carry a potential life sentence
- Age
- 78
- Charges
- Conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, conspiracy to publish seditious articles
- Potential Sentence
- Up to life in prison
- Health Conditions
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart palpitations
- Time in Custody
- Over 1,800 days, much of it in solitary confinement
- Trial Duration
- 156 days
- National Security Law Imposition
- June 30, 2020
- Apple Daily Shutdown
- June 24, 2021
Sources
Jimmy Lai’s supporters queue in Hong Kong overnight for verdict
Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong tycoon and democratic firebrand who stood up to China
Hong Kong’s legal clampdown on Jimmy Lai, tycoon and China critic
Jimmy Lai’s supporters queue at Hong Kong court for verdict
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Jimmy Lai found guilty of colluding with foreign forces, Hong Kong court convicts Beijing critic under national security law
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Reaction to Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai’s guilty verdict in national security trial
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Critics slam Jimmy Lai's 'sham conviction' call it a 'disgraceful act of persecution'
China strongly dissatisfied with criticism over court verdict on Jimmy Lai – ThePrint – ReutersFeed
Who is Jimmy Lai? Hong Kong media tycoon convicted for sedition, collusion with foreign forces
Explained | What did 'troublemaker' Jimmy Lai do? All we know about his national security verdicts
Jimmy Lai net worth explained as media tycoon is convicted in national security trial
Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Convicted in Landmark National Security Trial
UK should make Jimmy Lai’s release precondition to closer relations with China, says son
Secure Jimmy Lai’s release before seeking closer China ties, his son urges UK
