Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy figure and former media executive in Hong Kong, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The sentence was handed down in a high-profile case under the national security law imposed by Beijing. Lai has been a vocal critic of the Chinese government.
The case marks one of the most significant prosecutions under the new security legislation, which targets acts Beijing considers a threat to its control over Hong Kong. Lai’s sentence is among the longest given so far under the law.
**Why this matters**
The sentencing of Jimmy Lai highlights the increasing use of the national security law to curb dissent in Hong Kong. It raises concerns about the future of press freedom and political opposition in the city, which has seen a sharp decline in democratic activism since the law’s introduction. The case also signals Beijing’s firm stance on maintaining control over Hong Kong’s political landscape.
Source: NewsData