Jimmy Lai, a former media tycoon from Hong Kong, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, marking the end of a lengthy legal struggle that highlights Beijing's crackdown on the city's freedoms. The 78-year-old billionaire, known for his criticism of the government, was one of the most notable figures charged since the national security law was enacted in the semi-autonomous city in 2020. This long sentence means Lai will not be eligible for parole until he is in his late 90s, likely leading to increased international demands for his release. His trial attracted significant attention from world leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed a desire to help Lai. Trump plans to visit China soon to meet with President Xi Jinping, and many of Lai's supporters will urge him to discuss Lai's situation. Lai has been a prominent critic of the diminishing freedoms in Hong Kong, frequently speaking to top US officials about the issue. He founded Apple Daily, a strong pro-democracy newspaper that has since closed down, which made him a target for Beijing. In December, he was convicted on two national security charges and one sedition charge after a long court battle. On Monday, as he received his sentence, Lai, dressed in a white jacket, appeared slim and smiled slightly. Before the court proceedings started, he greeted those in attendance and acknowledged six former colleagues from Apple Daily who were also waiting for their sentences. Those colleagues received prison terms between 6 years and 9 months to 10 years. Additionally, Apple Daily and its related companies were fined 6 million Hong Kong Dollars (approximately $767,000). Both the Beijing and Hong Kong governments have consistently dismissed international criticism of Lai's prosecution, rejecting claims that his imprisonment is politically driven or an attack on press freedom.
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