Hong Kong court has found media tycoon and publisher Jimmy Lai, 78, guilty of conspiracy against the government in Beijing and the leadership of the Chinese Special Administrative Region, a verdict that could see him sentenced to life in prison. Long regarded as a symbol of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, Lai was portrayed by judges as a central figure in alleged efforts to undermine the Chinese Communist Party. The court ruled that he went beyond expressing political opinions, acting instead as a key organizer who deliberately used the newspaper Apple Daily as a platform to advance those aims.

The verdict also focused on Lai’s international connections, particularly in the United States. Evidence presented included messages suggesting that his close associate Mark Simon worked extensively in Washington to arrange meetings with senior U.S. officials, including contacts at the White House, then–Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Judges argued that these activities formed part of a broader strategy to encourage foreign governments to impose sanctions and other measures described as hostile toward China and Hong Kong.

Lai has spent nearly five years in prison on previous convictions and was tried under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, legislation widely criticized by human rights groups. Supporters have voiced growing concern over his health, citing diabetes, heart problems and significant weight loss, and are calling for his immediate release.

Apple Daily, the newspaper he founded and which championed press freedom, the rule of law and democratic values, was forced to shut down in 2021. Since the security law came into force, Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement has been largely silenced, with thousands arrested and many activists driven into exile. During the U.S. presidential campaign, Donald Trump said he would seek to secure Lai’s release if returned to office.