Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years in Hong Kong National Security Case
Former media tycoon receives one of the toughest sentences yet as court convicts him on multiple national security charges.
Hong Kong, Feb 09 : Former Hong Kong media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted under the city’s national security legislation, according to local broadcaster RTHK.
The Hong Kong High Court had, in December 2025, found Lai guilty on three counts related to breaches of the security framework, marking a significant development in one of the territory’s most closely watched legal cases. His punishment is reported to be the most severe imposed so far under the law introduced in 2020.
Authorities first arrested Lai in August 2020 on allegations that included collusion with foreign forces, along with fraud related offences. The prominent publisher had already served a separate 20 month term for his involvement in organizing demonstrations during the large scale anti-government protests of 2019.
Although that earlier sentence was completed, Lai remained behind bars while awaiting proceedings tied to the more serious national security accusations, culminating in the latest ruling.
