Hong Kong Convicts Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai in Landmark National Security Ruling
Hong Kong, Monday, 15 December 2025.
After 1,800 days in solitary confinement, 78-year-old Jimmy Lai was found guilty of foreign collusion today, a verdict marking a pivotal shift in Hong Kong’s geopolitical landscape.
The Verdict and Judicial Reasoning
In a ruling delivered on December 15, 2025, a panel of three government-approved judges convicted Lai on three counts: two of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one of conspiracy to publish seditious material [1][3]. The judges, who presided without a jury, issued a detailed 855-page judgment, characterizing the 78-year-old founder of Apple Daily as a “mastermind” who “harboured hatred” for China [2]. The court determined that Lai had “consciously” utilized his media empire to undermine the authority of both Beijing and the Hong Kong government, while simultaneously orchestrating international lobbying efforts to impose sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials [2][3].
Diplomatic Repercussions and International Scrutiny
The trial has served as a focal point for international criticism regarding the erosion of Hong Kong’s judicial independence and civil liberties. Representatives from more than 10 foreign consulates, including diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, were present at the West Kowloon Magistrates Court to observe the proceedings [2]. Matthias Kauffman of the EU Office in Hong Kong remarked that “openness and transparency are vital for Hong Kong’s judicial system,” underscoring the global attention fixed on this case [2].
The Human Cost of Political Defiance
Beyond the legal and diplomatic battles, the physical toll on Lai has been substantial. Having spent over 1,800 days in solitary confinement, his health has reportedly deteriorated significantly [4]. His son, Sebastien Lai, expressed grave concern, noting that his father has lost 10 kilograms in the past year alone and suffers from muscle infections, rotting teeth, and heart issues [2]. Despite these hardships, Lai appeared calm upon hearing the verdict, waving goodbye to his family before being returned to custody [2].
Future Implications
The legal proceedings are not yet concluded. The court has scheduled the mitigation phase to begin on January 12, 2026, which is expected to last for four days [2]. While sentencing will be handed down at a later date, the conviction cements the impact of the National Security Law, which has led to over 340 arrests since its imposition in 2020 [1]. Critics, including Mark Clifford of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, argue this verdict “brutally marks the end of free speech and the free press” in what was once Asia’s freest city [1].