Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old media mogul and pro-democracy advocate, has received a 20-year prison sentence from a Hong Kong court. The sentence was announced on Monday following Lai’s conviction on December 15 for violating Hong Kong's national security law and conspiring with foreign forces. Initially, there was a possibility of a life sentence, underscoring the severe implications of the charges against him.

Lai's defense attorney, Robert Pang, argued for a lenient sentence citing the deteriorating health of Lai, who suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes, conditions that have reportedly worsened during his incarceration. This plea highlights broader concerns regarding the treatment of political prisoners in Hong Kong, particularly regarding their health in light of stringent detainment conditions that may not accommodate medical needs properly.

Lai has been imprisoned since 2021 and is known for founding the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, which was a vocal supporter of the pro-democracy movement. His sentencing has sparked international concern about the state of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, raising alarms about the increasing suppression of dissent in the region as part of China's broader crackdown on political opposition.