Jimmy Lai Convicted in Hong Kong

Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper and a prominent critic of China's Communist Party, was found guilty by China — Hong Kong's High Court on December 15, 2025. He was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of sedition under the China-imposed national security law. This landmark trial, which began in December 2023, has drawn significant international scrutiny, with countries like the United States and the United Kingdom condemning it as politically motivated and calling for Lai's immediate release. Lai, who has been in custody for over 1,800 days and suffers from health issues, faces a potential life sentence. The verdict is seen as a major blow to press freedom and judicial independence in China — Hong Kong, following a years-long crackdown on rights and freedoms in the city. The event also follows the disbandment of the Hong Kong — Democratic Party (Hong Kong), further signaling the erosion of democratic opposition.