Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison under the National Security Law. Lai, the founder of Apple Daily, was accused of anti-China activities and sedition. This verdict is being considered the biggest blow to freedom of expression in Hong Kong.

Buzzing: Hong Kong's former media tycoon and pro-democracy figure, Jimmy Lai, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. This marks the end of a legal battle that over the past several years had become a symbol of Hong Kong's changing landscape and China's hardening stance. Western leaders, including Trump, had issued warnings against it. 78-year-old Jimmy Lai was among the most vocal and outspoken critics of China's crackdown after the 2020 implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Under this law, he was convicted on two national security counts and one count of treason. The court convicted him in December, and the sentence has now been handed down.

Heard the sentence with a smile on his face

This 20-year sentence means that Jimmy Lai will be eligible for parole only when he is over 90 years old. According to a CNN report, Lai appeared gaunt in a white jacket as he heard the verdict, but he smiled as he read the sentence. He also greeted those present in court with folded hands. Along with Jimmy Lai, six former colleagues from his newspaper, Apple Daily, were also jailed. They were sentenced to terms ranging from 6 years and 9 months to 10 years. In addition, Apple Daily and its affiliates were fined approximately US$760,000.

China did not succumb to pressure from Western countries

Apple Daily was a vocal pro-democracy tabloid in Hong Kong, long targeted by China. The newspaper was forced to shut down after the national security law was implemented. Jimmy Lai's sentencing has sparked renewed international debate. Several US and Western leaders have already expressed concern about the matter. US President Donald Trump has also previously called for Lai to be "kicked out." With Trump expected to visit China in the coming months, Lai's supporters want the issue raised again.

Demand for Nobel Peace Prize

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Although China and the Hong Kong administration have consistently maintained that this case is not politically motivated or an attack on press freedom, authorities claim that the crackdown was necessary after the violent protests of 2019 and has "restored stability." However, the reality on the ground is that since the National Security Law, dozens of people are in jail, many media outlets have been shut down, and Hong Kong's once-noisy political scene has fallen almost silent. Jimmy Lai's supporters lined up for days outside the courthouse, hoping to see him one last time. 75-year-old Chan Chun-yee said, "He is the flag of Hong Kong. I didn't agree with him on everything, but I was connected to his vision for freedom, democracy, and justice." Another supporter said, "Jimmy Lai and his comrades should receive the Nobel Peace Prize."

PC:News18