Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Verdict Nears in Jimmy Lai's National Security Trial
Jimmy Lai, a well-known pro-democracy campaigner in Hong Kong, is going through a big trial.
He is accused of working with foreign countries to go against China and Hong Kong, and of publishing things that are against the government.
The trial has been going on for a long time, and the decision will be made next Monday.
Some countries, like the U.S., think the trial is not fair and want Jimmy Lai to be freed.
Jimmy Lai says he is not guilty, but he is not feeling well and needs medicine.
The Chinese and Hong Kong governments say he is getting a fair trial.
Lai started a newspaper called Apple Daily, which was shut down in 2021.
The trial is part of China's efforts to control Hong Kong more strictly.
Jimmy Lai's trial for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publish seditious material is nearing its verdict, expected next Monday.
The trial has lasted 156 days and is seen as a significant example of China's crackdown on rights in Hong Kong.
Lai faces life imprisonment if convicted, and his health is reportedly deteriorating.
International scrutiny surrounds the trial, with the U.S. and other countries calling it politically motivated and demanding Lai's release.
The Chinese and Hong Kong governments maintain that Lai is receiving a fair trial.
- Who
- Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy campaigner and Hong Kong tycoon
- What
- A national security trial with charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publish seditious material
- When
- The trial began in December 2023, with a verdict expected next Monday
- Where
- Hong Kong's High Court
- Why
- The trial is seen as part of China's crackdown on rights and freedoms in Hong Kong under a national security law imposed after 2019 pro-democracy protests
- Defendant
- Jimmy Lai
- Charges
- Conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, conspiracy to publish seditious material
- Trial Duration
- 156 days
- Trial Start Date
- December 2023
- Verdict Date
- Next Monday
- Potential Sentence
- Life imprisonment
- International Response
- U.S. and other countries demand Lai's release, calling the trial politically motivated
- Health Concerns
- Lai's health is deteriorating; suffers from diabetes and heart palpitations
- Apple Daily
- Pro-democracy newspaper founded by Lai, shut down in 2021
- National Security Law
- Imposed by China on Hong Kong in 2020
Sources
Verdict for Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai’s national security trial expected next Monday
Verdict for Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai’s national security trial expected on Monday
Hong Kong’s legal clampdown on tycoon and China critic Jimmy Lai