Overview
- A three‑judge national‑security panel in West Kowloon set a 20‑year term, with two years credited, leaving roughly 18 more years in prison subject to possible reductions for good conduct.
- Lai was convicted of collusion with foreign forces and sedition, including appeals for sanctions and activities linked to the 2019 pro‑democracy movement.
- His family reports serious health problems such as diabetes and hypertension and describes prolonged isolation and limited medical access during more than five years in custody.
- Hong Kong’s leader John Lee praised the ruling as just, and China’s Foreign Ministry called it lawful, while the European Union urged Lai’s immediate release and Western leaders continued to spotlight the case.
- Eight co‑defendants tied to Apple Daily were also sentenced, including six former executives who received prison terms of roughly six to ten years.