Jimmy Lai, founder of Hong Kong's now-defunct Apple Daily, has been sentenced to a 20-year prison term for violating the national security law, which his sons have denounced as "effectively a life sentence." During an online press conference, Sebastian Lai expressed feelings of being 'devastated' by the harsh sentence but reaffirmed their father's dedication to his beliefs of freedom and democracy in Hong Kong. He stated his pride in Jimmy Lai's commitment to doing the right thing in such difficult circumstances.

Lai's daughter, Claire, shed light on their father's deteriorating health conditions while imprisoned, underscoring the inhumane environment he faces. She urged for China to display wisdom and humanity, calling for her father's release based on principles of justice. The Lai family’s appeal highlights both the personal ramifications of the sentencing as well as broader implications for political dissent and human rights in Hong Kong, especially for figures who stand against Beijing's authoritarian rule.

The reaction to Jimmy Lai's sentencing has not been limited to his family; the UK and US governments have condemned the verdict, echoing concerns about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong since the implementation of the national security law. These international responses signify a growing alarm regarding the treatment of dissenters and the implications for democracy and human rights in the region, raising questions about the future of civil liberties in Hong Kong under Chinese authority.