Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai gets 20 years' jail
2 months ago
- #Press Freedom
- #Human Rights
- #Hong Kong National Security Law
- Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years for colluding with foreign forces under the national security law.
- Lai's family and rights groups criticize the sentence as harsh and detrimental to press freedom, while Hong Kong and China defend it as upholding rule of law.
- Six former Apple Daily executives and two activists also received prison terms ranging from six years and three months to 10 years under the same law.
- International outcry from countries and organizations, including the UK and UN, calling for Lai's release due to health concerns and freedom of speech issues.
- Lai's case stems from meetings with U.S. officials during the 2019 protests, though he denies influencing foreign policy and advocates for Hong Kong's values.