Following Jimmy Lai's conviction on national security charges, as reported earlier, global reactions have intensified. The US and UK demand his release, citing political persecution, while Hong Kong and Chinese officials defend the ruling as upholding the law. Sentencing is pending.
The three-judge panel—Esther Toh Lye-ping, Susana D’Almada Remedios, and Alex Lee Wan-tang—issued an 855-page judgment detailing how Lai, via Apple Daily and international contacts, sought foreign sanctions and aimed to undermine China's Communist Party.
Lai, 78, born in Guangzhou and a self-made entrepreneur behind Giordano and Next Media, founded Apple Daily post-1989 Tiananmen. Prosecutors argued his pro-2019 protest coverage was collusion, not journalism.
Hong Kong officials, including Security Secretary Chris Tang, emphasized the verdict protects national security without impinging press freedom. China's Foreign Ministry rejected foreign criticism as interference in internal affairs.
US President Donald Trump disclosed urging President Xi Jinping for leniency, citing Lai's age and health. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper ordered China's ambassador summoned over the 'politically motivated' trial. Human Rights Watch decried it as a 'judicial farce.'
Lai testified his foreign engagements sought support, not intervention. His son Sebastien called for the UK to tie Lai's release to China relations. Supporters protested outside court amid the polarized case.
Sentencing follows mitigation submissions due January 2, 2025.
