Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon, has been jailed for 20 years for colluding with foreign forces under the city's controversial national security law. Rights groups are characterizing this ruling as a de facto death sentence for the 78-year-old, amid rising concerns about his health. In a statement, Hong Kong's leader welcomed the sentence as 'deeply gratifying,' amidst claims that the law is crucial for stability following massive protests in 2019.
Lai, a British citizen, is the most notable figure among hundreds arrested under this legislation. A vocal critic of the Chinese government, he used his newspaper, Apple Daily, as a platform for protest. 'Incredibly heartbreaking,' lamented Lai's son, Sebastien, urging the UK government to intervene. Critics assert that Lai's sentence symbolizes the erosion of legal frameworks within Hong Kong.
During the sentencing, support for Lai was evident, with many demonstrating outside the court, illustrating significant public backing despite heavy police presence.
Furthermore, six former Apple Daily executives received prison sentences ranging from six years to a decade under the same law, highlighting the intensifying crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.
Human rights organizations have denounced Lai's sentence as draconian, with some calling this punishment the final blow to press freedom in Hong Kong. The international community, including countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan, has issued concerns regarding Lai's treatment. However, the Chinese government maintains it is an internal matter, reiterating the necessity of strict enforcement to safeguard national security.
Lai, a British citizen, is the most notable figure among hundreds arrested under this legislation. A vocal critic of the Chinese government, he used his newspaper, Apple Daily, as a platform for protest. 'Incredibly heartbreaking,' lamented Lai's son, Sebastien, urging the UK government to intervene. Critics assert that Lai's sentence symbolizes the erosion of legal frameworks within Hong Kong.
During the sentencing, support for Lai was evident, with many demonstrating outside the court, illustrating significant public backing despite heavy police presence.
Furthermore, six former Apple Daily executives received prison sentences ranging from six years to a decade under the same law, highlighting the intensifying crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.
Human rights organizations have denounced Lai's sentence as draconian, with some calling this punishment the final blow to press freedom in Hong Kong. The international community, including countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan, has issued concerns regarding Lai's treatment. However, the Chinese government maintains it is an internal matter, reiterating the necessity of strict enforcement to safeguard national security.
