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Jimmy Lai, the former owner of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has found himself at the center of legal troubles following a series of reports critical of China. His conviction in December revolved around several charges, including conspiring to collude with foreign entities to jeopardize national security, as well as conspiring to publish seditious articles.
Though the panel of three judges stopped short of imposing a life sentence by name, Lai’s age and health concerns suggest that his remaining years might be spent behind bars regardless of the formal sentence.
Alongside Lai, six former staff members of Apple Daily and two activists received sentences ranging from 6 years and 3 months to 10 years, marking a significant blow to the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
In a show of international concern, the UK government has stepped in, urging for the release of Lai, who holds British citizenship. This diplomatic appeal underscores the complexity and global ramifications of the case.
The UK government has also called for the release of Lai, who is a British citizen.
Apple Daily was shut down in June 2021, with the final edition selling over a million copies, with the decline of the newspaper highlighting how press freedom has been dented in Hong Kong.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said the sentencing had destroyed the rule of law in Hong Kong.
“Today’s egregious decision is the final nail in the coffin for freedom of the press in Hong Kong,” CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg said. In a statement released after Lai’s sentencing.
He was arrested in 2021 for his role in an unofficial primary election, and is serving a seven-year prison sentence.
Reported with Associated Press
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