According to the Hong Kong court website on Friday (12/12/2025), Hong Kong media mogul and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai will receive the verdict in his trial on charges related to the national security law on December 15.
Lai, who turned 78 this week, is the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and one of the most prominent dissidents prosecuted under the law, which China enacted after massive protests in the semi-autonomous city in 2019.
A 60-minute “sentence hearing” in the tycoon’s case is scheduled for next Monday at 10:00 a.m. local time (02:00 GMT) before a three-judge panel, according to the court’s agenda.
The tycoon, who has been jailed since December 2020, is accused of collusion with foreign forces, a charge that could carry a life sentence, and publishing inflammatory content.
The case focuses on 161 articles in his newspaper, which was closed in 2021 following police operations and the arrest of its leaders who had supported the often violent protests and sharply criticized Beijing.
It is also based on statements made by Lai and publications on his social networks.
Hong Kong authorities have repeatedly rejected criticism surrounding Lai, saying his case was “handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law.”
During his trial, which began in December 2023, Lai rejected calls for sanctions against China and Hong Kong and said he had never advocated separatism or violent resistance.
Lai is a British citizen and his son Sebastien expressed concern about his health last week.
gs (afp, reuters)
About The Author
