Overview
- A three-judge panel labeled Lai the mastermind of conspiracies seeking foreign sanctions, citing a grave offense tier to justify the 20-year term.
- Six former Apple Daily staffers, an activist and a paralegal were also jailed, receiving sentences from roughly six years and three months to 10 years.
- Lai was convicted in December of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials after a 156-day trial.
- His legal team has up to 28 days to appeal while he remains in custody, with supporters warning his age and health issues could make the punishment life-ending.
- Britain pledged urgent engagement on the case as the United States, the European Union, Australia, Japan and Taiwan voiced concern, while officials in Hong Kong and Beijing defended the trial as fair.