Hong Kong’s High Court is set to deliver a verdict on Monday in the high-profile national security trial of media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-closed pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. The 78-year-old activist faces life imprisonment if convicted, as he stands accused of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material—a case widely seen as emblematic of Beijing’s ongoing crackdown on political freedoms in Hong Kong.
Jimmy Lai’s Charges and Trial Overview
Lai has pleaded not guilty to:
- Two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces
- One count of conspiracy to publish seditious material
The trial, which began in December 2023 and spanned 156 days, is the most prominent case under Hong Kong’s national security law, introduced in 2020 following mass pro-democracy protests. International observers, including the U.S. government, have criticized the proceedings as politically motivated.
Washington has repeatedly called for Lai’s release, with former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly raising the case during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2025.
Health Concerns and Detention Conditions
Lai has been held in solitary confinement for over 1,800 days, according to his family and rights groups. They have raised concerns about his deteriorating health, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations that require regular medication.
Despite these concerns, Hong Kong and Chinese authorities maintain that Lai is receiving a fair trial and that the legal process is being properly followed. Hong Kong’s judiciary, based on Common Law traditions inherited from its time as a British colony, provides Lai with protections not available in mainland China.
Background: Apple Daily and Alleged Collusion
The charges against Lai allege that between April 2019 and June 2021, he used Apple Daily as a platform to conspire with six former executives and other associates to produce publications deemed seditious. Additionally, he is accused of collaborating with activists such as Andy Li and paralegal Chan Tsz-wah to invite foreign governments—including the U.S., the U.K., and Japan—to impose sanctions or other restrictive measures on Hong Kong and China.
Lai’s trial has drawn international attention, highlighting concerns over press freedom, judicial independence, and the enforcement of the national security law in Hong Kong.
International Response
The case has prompted criticism from multiple countries, which argue that the trial undermines Hong Kong’s autonomy and the freedoms guaranteed under its Basic Law. Supporters of Lai emphasize the trial’s symbolic importance, framing it as a warning to other pro-democracy advocates in the region.
Verdict Expected: The High Court’s ruling, due on Monday, will determine whether Jimmy Lai faces life imprisonment—a sentence possible under Hong Kong’s national security law. The outcome is being closely watched by governments and human rights organizations around the world.
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