In the first case of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the National Security Law, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai, who was found guilty, and eight co-defendants who pleaded guilty were sentenced on Monday (the 9th) to prison terms ranging from six years and three months to 20 years. Lai, who received a 20-year sentence, became the defendant handed the heaviest sentence since the National Security Law came into force. Lai’s wife wiped tears from her eyes in court, and many former Apple Daily staff members wept inside the courtroom.

The eight defendants who pleaded guilty are former Apple Daily CEO Cheung Kim-hung, former deputy publisher Chan Pui-man, former editor-in-chief Ryan Law Wai-kwong, former executive editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung, former English edition editor-in-chief Fung Wai-kwong, former chief editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee, and “SWHK” members Chan Tsz-wah and Andy Li.

15:30 — Chinese Foreign Ministry urges foreign countries to respect Hong Kong’s rule of law

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing that China firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR’s lawful safeguarding of national security. He described Lai’s actions as crossing the “one country, two systems” red line and said the judiciary had lawfully fulfilled its duties to “uphold legal authority and defend national security,” calling the ruling reasonable, legitimate, and beyond reproach.

Lin added that “practice has proven that the better the National Security Law is implemented, the more stable and secure Hong Kong society becomes, and the better the rights and freedoms of the vast majority of residents are protected.” He urged relevant countries to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law and refrain from making “irresponsible remarks” about Hong Kong’s judicial cases or interfering in Hong Kong’s judicial affairs in any form.

15:29 — Three top officials issue statements on sentencing

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam wrote on Facebook that the case may still involve further legal proceedings and it was therefore inappropriate to comment at this stage. He emphasized that in this and all national security cases, the Department of Justice has fulfilled its constitutional responsibilities in accordance with the law to prevent, stop, and punish acts endangering national security, thanking the central government and the chief executive for their continued support.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan said the court convicted and sentenced Lai, whom he described as the “principal offender” endangering national security, based on facts and law, demonstrating the government’s responsibility to safeguard national security and uphold justice. He added that national security is as indispensable as air and water, especially for young people.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan welcomed the sentencing, accusing Lai of using Apple Daily to “manipulate public opinion and disrupt Hong Kong,” advocating foreign interference in China’s internal affairs, undermining national security, harming investor confidence, and damaging Hong Kong’s reputation as an international financial and commercial hub. He said the ruling “served justice.”

15:20 — Hong Kong Bar Association: unwavering confidence in judges and judiciary

The Hong Kong Bar Association said in a statement that safeguarding national security is a core responsibility of any sovereign state, noting that common law jurisdictions such as the U.S., Australia, and Canada also impose life sentences for serious national security offenses. It said the National Security Law was enacted in accordance with China’s Constitution, while the Basic Law and human rights laws continue to protect freedoms such as speech, publication, and assembly, though such rights are not absolute.

The association said the case followed established criminal procedures, was heard publicly by three judges, all parties were legally represented, and defendants retain full appeal rights. It expressed “unquestionable trust and confidence” in Hong Kong’s judicial system, judicial independence, and judges’ professionalism.

15:00 — Australian foreign minister expresses grave concern

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement that she was deeply concerned about the sentencing of Lai and his co-defendants and stood with their families and supporters. She said the prosecution had a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Hong Kong and pledged continued calls on Beijing to stop suppressing freedom of expression, assembly, the media, and civil society, and to repeal the National Security Law.

14:50 — UK foreign secretary: “tantamount to a life sentence”

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said in a statement that British national Jimmy Lai was imprisoned for exercising his freedom of expression, and that for the 78-year-old Lai, the sentence was “tantamount to a life sentence.” The UK expressed deep concern about Lai’s health and again urged Hong Kong authorities to end his “appalling ordeal” and release him on humanitarian grounds so he could reunite with his family.

The statement said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had raised Lai’s case directly with President Xi Jinping during a recent visit to China, and that following the sentencing, the UK would “rapidly engage further” on Lai’s case. It reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration.

14:10 — Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office: “justice is never absent”

The State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said the sentencing sent a strong message that anyone who dares challenge laws safeguarding national security will face severe punishment. It said the ruling demonstrated Hong Kong’s determination to uphold national security and once again proved that “justice may be late, but it will never be absent.”

The Liaison Office said it firmly supported the court’s “just sentencing,” citing comments online calling the ruling “the best Lunar New Year gift for Hong Kong.” The Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong also expressed firm support, accusing some Western countries of using “human rights” and “freedom” as a pretext to defend Lai.

13:30 — Lai expected to serve at least until 2044

Based on the defendants’ remand dates and total sentences—and assuming no one-third sentence reduction for good conduct—The Witness attempted to calculate the defendants’ likely release years. Among them, Chan Tsz-wah of the “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong” team is expected to be released the earliest, with an estimated release in 2027. Cheung Kim-hung, Chan Pui-man, Andy Li, and Yeung Ching-kee are expected to serve their sentences until 2028. As for Ryan Law Wai-kwong, Lam Man-chung, and Fung Wai-kong—who pleaded guilty but did not testify in court—they are expected to remain imprisoned until 2031.

As for Jimmy Lai, who is currently serving a sentence in a fraud case, the court ordered an additional 18 years’ imprisonment. The defence previously disclosed during mitigation that, if Lai were granted a one-third sentence reduction for good conduct in the fraud case, he would complete that sentence on June 11, 2026; without such a reduction, the sentence would be completed on May 11, 2028. Using this as a basis, The Witness estimates that Lai would have to remain imprisoned at least until 2044, and possibly as late as 2046.

13:20 — Chief Executive John Lee: “deeply satisfying”

The Hong Kong SAR government issued a press release in response to the sentencing. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that “Jimmy Lai’s crimes are heinous and numerous. His heavy sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment demonstrates the rule of law, upholds justice, and is deeply satisfying” He accused Lai of long using Apple Daily to “poison the public, incite hatred, and distort facts,” and of openly calling for external forces to sanction the central and Hong Kong governments, describing this as “selling out the country and harming Hong Kong.” Lee said Lai was “overwhelmingly guilty and has received the punishment he deserves.”

Lee added that although the court had, in accordance with the law, imposed heavy sentences on Lai and the other defendants—thereby demonstrating the rule of law and justice—Lai and Apple Daily had already exacted a heavy price on Hong Kong society by “poisoning the public,” particularly young people, who were “misled into breaking the law and becoming radical and violent.”

In the same press release, a government spokesperson criticised Lai for “shamelessly acting as a pawn of external forces and endangering national security.” The spokesperson said the Security Bureau had earlier frozen assets related to Lai and the Apple Daily companies under the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the National Security Law, and that the authorities would confiscate offence-related assets in accordance with the law. Procedures would also be initiated to strike the three companies involved off the Companies Register.

The spokesperson further stressed that the Correctional Services Department has strictly complied with legal requirements to “ensure that custodial conditions are safe, humane, appropriate, and healthy,” including the provision of suitable medical support. Lai’s solitary confinement, the statement said, was at his own request, and his rights as a person in custody would not be deprived because of his status or his segregation.

12:30 — Reporters Without Borders: “outraged by the harsh sentences”

Reporters Without Borders condemned the sentencing, saying the 20-year sentence for the ailing Lai was “equivalent to a death sentence” and reflected a shocking decline in press freedom in Hong Kong over the past five years.

12:13 — Committee to Protect Journalists: “final nail in the coffin”

CPJ said the ruling was the “final nail in the coffin” for press freedom in Hong Kong and called for Lai’s immediate release.

11:45 — Li Kwai-wah: welcomes heavy sentence imposed on Jimmy Lai

Li Kwai-wah, Senior Superintendent of the Police National Security Department, met reporters at the West Kowloon Law Courts and said he welcomed the court’s decision to sentence Jimmy Lai to 20 years’ imprisonment, saying it showed the court agreed the offences were serious and highlighted Lai’s role as the “principal culprit” and “behind-the-scenes instigator.” At this stage, Li said the sentence “reflects the facts,” adding that police would later discuss with the Department of Justice whether to seek a review of the sentence.

Li also said Lai had cited his age, health problems, and long-term solitary confinement in mitigation, but that proceedings had “revealed” that the Correctional Services Department and the Hospital Authority had provided appropriate medical treatment. He added that Lai’s solitary confinement was something Lai himself had requested from the Correctional Services Department, saying it was “clear that Jimmy Lai really hasn’t done anything good for Hong Kong that could be used as mitigation.”

Asked about the court ultimately granting sentence reductions on health grounds, Li said the court had only allowed a limited reduction, describing it as something granted in response to Lai’s request and calling it an act of “special leniency” by the court. He added this did not mean Lai had not exaggerated his condition, and said Lai appeared “in good spirits” in court today. As for whether Lai would spend the rest of his life in prison, Li said no one could predict that, but stressed that “the sentence he received is one he fully deserves.”

Addressing the fact that Lai has been detained for five and a half years since his arrest, Li said it was not uncommon for defendants facing serious charges to be remanded in custody. Given the complexity of the case and the large volume of material involved, he said concluding the case in five and a half years was “an acceptable timeframe.”

11:50 — Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council condemns sentencing

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council condemned the ruling, accusing Beijing and the Hong Kong government of political persecution under the guise of national security and warning of a cross-border chilling effect.

11:30 — Lai’s children: “devastating and cruel”

Sebastian Lai, the son of Jimmy Lai, issued a statement from the United Kingdom, saying: “My father has been sentenced to such a harsh term of imprisonment. This is devastating for our family, and it poses a threat to my father’s life.”

He said the sentencing symbolized the “total collapse” of Hong Kong’s legal system and the end of justice, adding that “after more than five years of relentless persecution of my father, China should now do the right thing and release him before it is too late.”

Lai’s daughter Claire Lai described the sentence as “heartbreaking and extraordinarily cruel.” She said that over the past five years she had personally witnessed her father’s health deteriorate rapidly, while his conditions of detention had steadily worsened.

“If this sentence is carried out,” she said, “he will become a martyr who dies in prison.”

10:40 — Court rules the offences are “serious”; finds Lai to be the mastermind and increases sentence

The judge’s sentencing reasons have been uploaded. In relation to the two collusion counts, the judgment cites the statutory provision on the offence of “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security,” which provides that an offender shall be sentenced to three to ten years’ imprisonment, and where the offence is serious, to life imprisonment or to a fixed term of not less than ten years. The court held that the legislative intent is that conduct endangering national security which involves foreign entities is generally regarded as more serious and should attract heavier punishment.

As to whether the present case constitutes a “serious offence,” the court said it had considered the factors set out in the Ma Chun-man case, including the manner of commission, the circumstances, frequency and duration of the acts, the scale of the offence, whether it was premeditated, the targets of the calls for sanctions, whether such calls succeeded in bringing about foreign sanctions, and the impact of the offence on China, Hong Kong and the mainland. The court also emphasized that the National Security Law has no retrospective effect, and that defendants should not be punished for conduct or political views prior to its enactment; such matters form part of the background only. Having considered the evidence, the court concluded that this was a “serious offence,” and that the sentence should not be less than ten years.

Regarding the two collusion counts, the court found that the conspiracy was not only carefully planned but also premeditated, involved the use of online platforms, and reached both local and overseas audiences. As for the collusion count involving “SWHK,” the relevant activities took place both inside and outside Hong Kong. Calls for foreign governments to impose sanctions, blockades or other hostile actions—whether made openly or covertly—did in fact bring about such measures against China, Hong Kong, and Hong Kong officials.

The court adopted 15 years’ imprisonment as the sentencing starting point for the two collusion offences, and a HK$3 million fine as the starting point for the corporate defendants.

As for Jimmy Lai, the court ruled that he was the behind-the-scenes mastermind and driving force, and therefore raised the sentencing starting points. For his offence of publishing seditious publications, the starting point was increased from 21 months to 23 months’ imprisonment; for the two collusion offences, the starting point was increased from 15 years to 18 years’ imprisonment. Taking into account Lai’s mitigation—including his advanced age, health condition, and solitary confinement, which would make prison life more arduous than for other inmates—the court reduced the sentence by one month for the sedition offence and by one year each for the two collusion offences. Applying the totality principle, the court imposed an overall sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for the three offences.

The judge noted that Lai is currently serving a sentence for fraud, which is unrelated in nature to the present case. However, applying the totality principle, the court ordered that 18 years of the sentence in the present case be served consecutively to the fraud sentence—effectively adding 18 years to Lai’s imprisonment.

10:20 — Lai’s wife and Chan Pui-man’s husband leave the courthouse

Lai’s wife Teresa Lai and Cardinal Joseph Zen left the courthouse together. When asked by reporters for their views on the sentence and whether an appeal would be lodged, neither responded. Chung Pui-kuen, husband of Chan Pui-man, was also asked about his feelings regarding the sentence, whether an appeal would be filed, and whether he considered the sentence excessive. He replied, “Thank you all for your hard work. I really have nothing to say. Thank you, thank you.”

Former League of Social Democrats member Tsang Kin-shing told the media as he left the court that he hoped “Mr. Lai and the others can hang in there,” adding that he was worried about Lai’s health, saying, “At his age, of course you worry.”

10:04 — Sentences announced

• Jimmy Lai: 20 years
• Ryan Law Wai-kwong: 10 years
• Lam Man-chung: 10 years
• Fung Wai-kwong: 10 years
• Yeung Ching-kee: 7 years 3 months
• Andy Li Yu-hin: 7 years 3 months
• Chan Pui-man: 7 years
• Cheung Kim-hung: 6 years 9 months
• Chan Tsz-wah: 6 years 3 months

Lai’s wife wiped away tears after the verdict, while former Apple Daily staff members cried in court and embraced outside afterward.

10:04 — Sentencing

• Jimmy Lai: 20 years’ imprisonment
• Ryan Law Wai-kwong: 10 years’ imprisonment
• Lam Man-chung: 10 years’ imprisonment
• Fung Wai-kong: 10 years’ imprisonment
• Yeung Ching-kee: 7 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
• Andy Li: 7 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
• Chan Pui-man: 7 years’ imprisonment
• Cheung Kim-hung: 6 years and 9 months’ imprisonment
• Chan Tsz-wah: 6 years and 3 months’ imprisonment

Judge Esther Toh Lye-ping said Chan Tsz-wah was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months, and Andy Li to 7 years and 3 months. Jimmy Lai was sentenced to a total of 20 years, of which 18 years will be served consecutively to his sentence for fraud—effectively adding 18 years. Three Apple Daily-related companies were each fined HK$3,004,500. Cheung Kim-hung was sentenced to 6 years and 9 months, Chan Pui-man to 7 years, and Yeung Ching-kee to 7 years and 3 months. As for Ryan Law Wai-kwong, Lam Man-chung, and Fung Wai-kong, who were not prosecution witnesses, each was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Before the verdict was delivered, Jimmy Lai bared his teeth in a smile and waved, making a clasped-fist gesture. Cheung Kim-hung nodded toward the public gallery; Lam Man-chung smiled and nodded toward the gallery; Fung Wai-kong kept his eyes on the judge; Andy Li looked toward the public gallery from time to time. Chan Pui-man wore a beige top and a dark blue jacket and a mask. Ryan Law Wai-kwong wore a black suit jacket, black-framed glasses, and a mask. Yeung Ching-kee wore a mask; Chan Tsz-wah wore a suit.

During sentencing, Lai’s wife pressed her lips tightly together; after the sentence was announced, she put on her glasses and wiped the corner of her eye, while Timothy patted her back. Many former Apple Daily employees wept inside the courtroom and embraced each other in tears outside after the hearing ended. Chung Pui-kuen remained calm throughout, keeping his gaze on Chan Pui-man.

10:00 — Court in session

09:50 — Jimmy Lai’s two sons arrive

Lai’s sons, Timothy Lai and Ian Lai, arrived at court.

09:40 — Lai’s wife and Chung Pui-kuen enter the courtroom

Cardinal Joseph Zen, Lai’s wife, Chung Pui-kuen (husband of Chan Pui-man), former Apple Daily staff and members of the public entered the courtroom in succession.
Senior Superintendent Li Kwai-wah of the National Security Department, Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) Andrew Kan Kai-yan, and Assistant Commissioner (National Security) Dick Wong Chung-chun were also present.

09:35 — Prosecution and defence teams take their seats

Legal representatives for both sides arrived, including prosecutors Anthony Chau Tin-hang, Crystal Chan Wing-sum, and Jennifer Tsui Sin-chi; defence counsel for Jimmy Lai led by Ernie Tung and New Zealand King’s Counsel Marc Corlett (qualified to practise in Hong Kong); counsel for the three Apple Daily-related companies Jon K.H. Wong; counsel for Chan Pui-man Marco Li; senior counsel for Fung Wai-kong Edwin Choy Wai-bond; and counsel for Andy Li Alain Shum Chung-ping.

09:21 — Lai’s wife and Cardinal Zen arrive at the courthouse

09:10 — Chung Pui-kuen arrives

In addition to Chung Pui-kuen, former Hong Kong Journalists Association chair Sham Yee Lan and former Apple Daily news editor Choy Yuen-kwei had also arrived.

08:55 — All members of the public queued for seats have entered the courthouse

08:42 — Consular representatives from multiple countries queue to attend

About 11 consular representatives from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Canada and the European Union arrived outside the West Kowloon Law Courts to queue for public seats.

The British Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao, Brian Davidson, said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had raised the Jimmy Lai case in an earlier meeting with President Xi Jinping, and that the UK would issue a statement after sentencing.

Matthias Kaufman, Deputy Head of the EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao and Head of the Political, Press and Information Section, said the EU has consistently followed the Jimmy Lai case, stressing that openness and transparency are core values of Hong Kong’s judicial system.

08:15 — Police search belongings of people in the queue
Police searched the belongings of those waiting in line. Activist Lui Yuk-lin laid out her items one by one. Members of the public were also required to undergo body searches before being allowed to join the queue.

07:30 — Police bar reporters from interviewing inside the queue area
On sentencing day, around 7:30 a.m., police set up a designated media zone near a bus stop outside the court, requiring reporters to remain within orange tape. Officers said the restriction was due to “operational needs” of uniformed police and that the area could not be obstructed. Reporters were told they could invite people to step out of the queue for interviews but could not remain there.

07:00 — About 90 people queue, including cartoonist Zunzi and Lui Yuk-lin

Around 7 a.m., about 90 people queued in the cold, including political cartoonist Zunzi and Lui Yuk-lin. Some had queued overnight for several days. From the middle of the line onward, most people wore masks and hats and turned their backs to the street. When reporters asked why they were queuing or whether they knew details of the case, some remained silent or turned away.

06:45 — Queuing witness says a person was searched after returning from the toilet
Ms. Liu, who was in the queue, said that around 4 a.m. a person near the front returned from the toilet and was searched by police. After officers found an Apple Daily keychain, the person was taken into a police vehicle and brought to a station to assist with inquiries.

06:30 — Former Apple Daily employee says she was barred from rejoining the queue

A former Apple Daily employee, Ms. Y, said she began queueing early Friday, anticipating heavy demand and possible interference by others seeking courtroom seats. She described inconsistent police registration practices over several days. On Saturday night, while taking spare sleeping bags home, police checked a list and told her her name was not on it, ultimately barring her from rejoining despite repeated explanations. She said she felt wronged and deeply aggrieved.

On expectations for sentencing, Ms. Y said she hoped they could return home soon, but realistically did not dare to expect much after such a long process. She said she prayed sincerely for their early return and an end to what she described as unjust suffering.

04:30 — Queuing member taken away by police, reportedly for carrying an Apple Daily keychain

Around 4 a.m. on sentencing day, police tightened movement controls among those queueing and searched anyone returning from the toilet. A woman who had camped out for four days and three nights was reportedly taken away after police found an Apple Daily keychain on her. Officers later escorted her back to the queue area, removed her bedding and belongings. The woman said she would be taken to Cheung Sha Wan Police Station for investigation.

Another person said light rain fell early Sunday morning. When someone opened a yellow umbrella, police asked him to put it away, even though others further back were also using yellow umbrellas. Police later returned and again asked him to close it, offering to lend another umbrella.

Feb. 8, 20:00 — Queue members say police list-checking was chaotic; at least six people disqualified

On Sunday evening, about 60 people were still queuing as temperatures dropped. One person said police used different papers and notebooks to register movements, causing confusion. Some who had left for hours remained on lists, while others who had never left were missing. At least six to seven people were required to leave, some in tears after sleeping there for two nights.

Police later limited absences to one or two hours, prompting people to rely on friends to bring food. Others said people who had queued since Thursday night were denied re-entry because their names were not on the list. Nearby trash bins were sealed or removed; when asked where to dispose of rubbish, police replied they could not help.

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Jimmy Lai remanded for over five years; eight defendants remanded for over four years

Now 78, Jimmy Lai has been in remand since December 2020—more than five years. Six senior Apple Daily executives, including Cheung Kim-hung and Chan Pui-man, as well as Andy Li and Chan Tsz-wah of the “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong” team, were later charged and have been remanded for more than four years. The eight previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, with five testifying as prosecution witnesses.

The Witness