Ex-media boss Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years under national security lawHong Kong's High Court jailed former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying for 20 years on Monday for national security crimes, in what mainland Chinese authorities described as a "powerful declaration" that severe punishment awaited those who dared to challenge the law. Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office hailed the penalty as a "powerful declaration" that "whoever dares to challenge the national security legislation will be severely punished". Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong also rejected "hypocritical double standards" in the West, citing online comments hailing Monday's sentences as "Hong Kong's best Lunar New Year gift". "It shows the world that Beijing will go to extraordinary lengths to silence those who advocate fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong," he said. Lai was convicted of two conspiracy counts of collusion with foreign forces under the national security law and a third count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious articles.

Source: Bangkok Post February 11, 2026 04:35 UTC