A Hong Kong court just handed down a tough sentence to Jimmy Lai. The 78-year-old media boss and big supporter of democracy got 20 years in prison. This happened on February 9, 2026. It’s the longest jail time given so far under the national security law that Beijing put in place back in 2020.
Lai is the man who started Apple Daily, a newspaper known for speaking out against the government. The paper shut down in 2021 after police raids. Lai has been in jail since 2020. He was found guilty in December 2025 on two charges of working with foreign forces to hurt national security, plus one charge of putting out seditious material.
The judges called his actions “serious and grave.” They said the crimes were planned out and bad for society. The 20-year term means he serves an extra 18 years on top of time already served. Many see this as a life sentence for a man his age.
Lai stayed calm in court. When they took him away, he gave a quiet greeting to people watching, including his wife Teresa, former cardinal Joseph Zen, and old Apple Daily staff. His lawyer said they have 28 days to decide on an appeal but didn’t share more.
His family spoke out after. His son Sรฉbastien called it devastating and said it puts his dad’s life at risk. His daughter Claire said it’s a cruel sentence, especially with Lai’s health getting worse in prison. She warned he might die behind bars like a martyr.
Rights groups reacted fast and strong. Human Rights Watch said the sentence is cruel and unfairโbasically a death sentence for a 78-year-old. Amnesty International called it a sad step in turning Hong Kong from a place of rule of law to one ruled by fear. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it’s the final nail in the coffin for press freedom there.
The UN human rights chief asked for Lai’s release right away on health grounds. The UK, EU, and others condemned it as a big injustice. UK leaders raised it with China before. US voices called for freedom too. Beijing pushed back, saying the case has nothing to do with free speech and that the courts handled it fairly.
This case stands out because Lai is a British citizen and was one of the first big names arrested under the law after huge pro-democracy protests in 2019. The law cracked down hard on anything seen as a threat to security, splitting opinions at home and abroad.
Supporters lined up overnight outside the court. Heavy police were there with armored cars. One former teacher said the sentence feels like life in prison.
Lai built a name fighting for democracy through his paper and words. Now he’s the face of how much has changed in Hong Kong. The trial lasted years and drew eyes worldwide.
People wonder what this means for others who speak out. Press freedom has shrunk a lot since the law came in. Many journalists and activists face charges or left the city.
This long sentence keeps the story alive. It reminds folks how tense things are between Hong Kong, China, and the rest of the world over rights and speech. For Lai’s family and fans, it’s a hard day. The world watches what happens next.