Hong Kong convicts Jimmy Lai; sentencing arguments set Jan. 12
Media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai was convicted by a Hong Kong court on two counts of “colluding with foreign forces” and one sedition count under a colonial‑era law, with Judge Esther Toh issuing an 855‑page verdict saying Lai had issued a “constant invitation” to the U.S. and citing July 2019 meetings with then‑Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo plus 161 publications, social posts and texts; the 156‑day trial was held without a jury. Sentencing hearings for Lai and co‑defendants to argue for shorter terms are set to begin Jan. 12, while supporters and rights groups called the proceedings politicized and observers noted Lai has spent more than 1,800 days largely in solitary confinement with deteriorating health amid a wider national‑security crackdown.
📌 Key Facts
- Judge Esther Toh issued an 855-page verdict finding Jimmy Lai guilty on two counts of “colluding with foreign forces” (including meetings with foreign officials and advocating sanctions) and one sedition count under a colonial-era law, saying the conduct amounted to a “constant invitation” to the U.S. and that the conspiracies’ “ultimate aim” was the downfall of the Chinese Communist Party.
- Prosecutors emphasized Lai’s July 2019 meetings with then–U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and introduced 161 publications, social posts and text messages (including Apple Daily articles) as evidence.
- The trial lasted 156 days and was held without a jury.
- Sentencing hearings for Lai and co-defendants are scheduled to begin Jan. 12, when lawyers will argue for shorter sentences; a formal sentencing date has not yet been set and Lai’s defense team has not commented.
- Family and supporters in court included Lai’s wife, one of his sons and Cardinal Joseph Zen; activists such as Frances Hui described the court as politicized while others like Finn Lau said Lai stayed to show Hong Kongers would stand up to the CCP.
- Reports say Lai has spent more than 1,800 days largely in solitary confinement and that his health has deteriorated, with advanced diabetes and heart palpitations.
- The case comes amid wider use of Hong Kong’s national security law — hundreds have been arrested, student leader Joshua Wong faces new NSL charges, and 45 lawmakers/activists were imprisoned in 2024.
- International reactions include President Trump saying he raised Lai’s case with China and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying securing Lai’s release is a priority.
📊 Relevant Data
The underlying causes of the 2019 Hong Kong protests included economic grievances such as high housing costs and income inequality, beyond the initial trigger of the extradition bill.
Uncovering Economic Grievances behind Radical Protests: Revisiting People's Support for the Anti-Extradition Bill Movement in Hong Kong — Journal of East Asian Studies
Hong Kong's one-way permit system allows up to 150 mainland Chinese residents per day to settle in Hong Kong for family reunion, managed by mainland authorities, contributing to demographic stability amid emigration.
Immigration policy for family migration in selected places — Legislative Council of Hong Kong
A 2020 survey found that nearly 60% of Hong Kong residents opposed the National Security Law.
HK survey shows increasing majority back pro-democracy goals, smaller support for Beijing — Reuters
Since the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020, Hong Kong has seen the closure of independent media outlets like Apple Daily and Stand News, contributing to a decline in press freedom ranking to 140th in 2025.
Timeline: Press freedom in Hong Kong under the national security law — Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong's population remained virtually unchanged at 7,527,500 in mid-2025, with 35,200 one-way permit holders from mainland China offsetting emigration and natural decrease.
Hong Kong's 'virtually unchanged' population stabilises for first time in a decade — South China Morning Post
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
"The WSJ editorial argues Lai’s conviction was expected under Beijing’s control and that the verdict may paradoxically make a diplomatic deal to free him more feasible, urging pragmatic high‑level negotiation (involving Xi and Western leaders) rather than reliance on Hong Kong’s courts."
📰 Sources (3)
- Sentencing hearings for Lai and co-defendants are set to begin Jan. 12 to argue for a shorter sentence.
- The court’s 855-page verdict described Lai as issuing a “constant invitation” to the U.S. to help bring down China and said the conspiracies’ “ultimate aim” was the downfall of the Communist Party.
- Prosecutors highlighted Lai’s July 2019 meetings with then–Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and presented 161 publications (including Apple Daily articles), social posts, and texts as evidence.
- The trial lasted 156 days and was held without a jury.
- President Trump said he raised Lai’s case with China; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said securing Lai’s release is a priority.
- Judge Esther Toh delivered an 855-page verdict finding Lai guilty on two 'colluding with foreign forces' counts (for meetings with foreign officials, including Americans, and advocating sanctions) and one sedition count under a colonial-era law.
- Sentencing date has not yet been set; Lai’s defense team has not commented.
- Family and supporters present included Lai’s wife, one of his sons, and Cardinal Joseph Zen.
- Frances Hui (Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation) called the court politicized; activist Finn Lau said Lai stayed to show Hong Kongers would stand up to the CCP.
- Article notes Lai has spent more than 1,800 days largely in solitary confinement and that his health has declined (advanced diabetes, heart palpitations).
- Context: Hundreds have been arrested under the national security law; student leader Joshua Wong faces new NSL charges; 45 lawmakers/activists were imprisoned in 2024.