Hong Kong Sentences Media Mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 Years in Prison

Lai, a pro-democracy advocate and vocal critic of Beijing, was convicted in one of the highest-profile cases under the city's national security law.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media mogul, pro-democracy advocate, and vocal critic of Beijing, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in one of the highest-profile cases under the city's national security law.

Why it matters

Lai's conviction is seen as a major blow to press freedom and democracy in Hong Kong, as he was one of the most prominent figures opposing China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. The harsh sentence is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

The details

Lai was convicted of collusion with foreign forces and fraud. Prosecutors accused him of asking foreign countries to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. He was also convicted of fraud related to lease violations at the headquarters of his media company, Next Digital.

  • Lai was sentenced on February 9, 2026.

The players

Jimmy Lai

A Hong Kong media mogul, pro-democracy advocate, and vocal critic of Beijing who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in one of the highest-profile cases under the city's national security law.

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What they’re saying

“This sentence is outrageous and unacceptable. It is a blatant attempt to silence dissent and crush freedom of expression in Hong Kong.”

— Amnesty International (Amnesty International)

What’s next

Lai's lawyers are expected to appeal the sentence, but it is unclear if the appeal will be successful given the political nature of the case.

The takeaway

Lai's harsh sentence is a stark reminder of the erosion of civil liberties and the rule of law in Hong Kong under China's tightening control, dealing a major blow to the city's once-vibrant pro-democracy movement.