A Hong Kong court began a crucial four-day hearing on Monday, 12 January 2026, to consider arguments for a reduced sentence for Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old pro-democracy media founder whose conviction could see him imprisoned for life.
Mitigation Hearing for a Media Magnate
The hearing at the Hong Kong court convened to allow Lai and his co-defendants to plead for leniency. Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper and a prominent critic of China's Communist Party, was found guilty in December of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious articles. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The maximum penalty for the national security convictions is life imprisonment, with sentencing expected at a later date. Upon entering the courtroom, Lai pressed his palms together in a gesture of gratitude and smiled at supporters in the public gallery, appearing in good spirits.
International Repercussions and Judicial Findings
The case has significant diplomatic implications, drawing criticism from foreign governments including the US and Britain. After the verdict, former US President Donald Trump stated he felt "so badly" and revealed he had discussed Lai's case with Chinese President Xi Jinping. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said securing the release of Lai, a British citizen, is a priority for his government.
Three government-vetted judges ruled that Lai was the mastermind behind conspiracies, taking issue with his "constant invitation" to the US to undermine the Chinese government. They concluded that his intent, both before and after the security law's enactment, was to seek the downfall of the party. Beijing has defended Hong Kong's judiciary, opposing what it calls "smearing" by certain countries.
Co-defendants and Supporters
Six former Apple Daily senior executives and two activists involved in the case pleaded guilty, admitting they conspired with Lai to request foreign sanctions. Some, including activists Andy Li and Chan Tsz-wah, served as prosecution witnesses during the 156-day trial and may receive lighter sentences.
Public support for Lai was evident, with dozens, including retiree and former reader Simon Ng, queuing for hours to secure a seat in the gallery. Ng stated he wanted Lai to know "he's not alone." Lai has spent five years in custody, with his lawyers reporting health issues including heart palpitations, though Hong Kong authorities said a medical examination found no abnormalities.
