Hong Kong’s former media executive Jimmy Lai is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday after being found guilty in December under the city’s national security law. Lai, 78, founded the Apple Daily newspaper, which has since ceased operations. He faces a possible life sentence.
The national security law, imposed by Beijing in 2020, has been used to target pro-democracy activists and critics in Hong Kong. Lai’s case is one of the most high-profile under this legislation.
**Why this matters**
Jimmy Lai’s sentencing highlights the increasing legal pressures on pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong. The national security law has significantly altered the city’s political landscape, raising concerns about freedom of the press and expression. This case is closely watched internationally as an indicator of Hong Kong’s evolving judicial and political environment.
Source: NewsData