The prominent pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following a high-profile trial in Hong Kong. Lai, who founded the now-closed media outlet Apple Daily, was known for his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government and support for the pro-democracy movement that sparked massive protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020. He was found guilty in December of two counts of unlawful collusion with foreign powers but has maintained his innocence against these charges.

The ruling has sparked condemnation from various human rights organizations and governments around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan, all of whom have labeled the sentence as politically motivated and urged for Lai's release. At 78 years old, Lai's health and well-being in prison have become a matter of concern for his supporters and advocates of press freedom, who view his sentencing as a significant blow to journalistic independence in Hong Kong.

In response to international criticism, Chinese authorities have dismissed these concerns, claiming that Lai's case is unrelated to freedom of speech or press. The Hong Kong government supports this stance, reinforcing the narrative that justice has been served in accordance with the law. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Lai will appeal the sentence, which leaves open possibilities for both legal and diplomatic repercussions in the ongoing tensions surrounding Hong Kong's autonomy and its relationship with mainland China.