Finance
Reaction to Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai's 20-year sentence in security trial
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 9, 2026
3 min readLast updated: February 9, 2026
Quick Summary
Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon, received a 20-year sentence, raising concerns about press freedom and sparking global reactions.
Reactions Emerge Following Jimmy Lai's 20-Year Sentence in Hong Kong
Reactions to the Sentence
Feb 9 (Reuters) - Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in jail on three national security charges comprising two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one of publishing seditious materials.
Legal Perspectives
This is the reaction to the sentence:
International Responses
URANIA CHIU, LECTURER IN LAW AT OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY:
Public Sentiment
"The application of collusion charges to certain journalistic activities is particularly alarming, because any engagement with international platforms and audiences may now easily be construed as such 'collusion'."
TAIWAN'S CHINA POLICY-MAKING MAINLAND AFFAIRS COUNCIL:
"Taiwan's people should take Hong Kong's painful experience as a lesson and safeguard the hard-won freedoms of daily life."
STEVE LI, CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HONG KONG POLICE NATIONAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT:
"Regarding the discussion about whether Jimmy Lai will spend the rest of his life in prison, I believe that no one can tell right now, only heaven knows. But I would like to say that the sentence he received, he deserves it very much."
JODIE GINSBERG, CEO, COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISM:
"The rule of law has been completely shattered in Hong Kong. Today’s egregious decision is the final nail in the coffin for freedom of the press in Hong Kong. The international community must step up its pressure to free Jimmy Lai if we want press freedom to be respected anywhere in the world."
CHIU MEI-YING, 71, LAI SUPPORTER:
"My feelings are very unsettled. I hope he can receive a lighter sentence ... Of course, the impact on Hong Kong is huge. Look - there's no news left in Hong Kong now. Even the only outlet, Apple Daily, was taken away. Now there’s no news to read. So I don’t follow the news anymore; I watch YouTube, and news on different online platforms instead."
ELAINE PEARSON, ASIA DIRECTOR, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH:
"The harsh 20-year sentence against 78-year-old Jimmy Lai is effectively a death sentence. A sentence of this magnitude is both cruel and profoundly unjust. Lai’s years of persecution show the Chinese government’s determination to crush independent journalism and silence anyone who dares to criticise the Communist Party."
A FORMER APPLE DAILY REPORTER SURNAMED WONG:
"Now that 'red lines' have formally become part of the judgements and sentences, the news industry - already severely weakened - will shrink even further. If the sentences are used to set the boundaries at the maximum level, it won’t just add insult to injury for press freedom; it will be an avalanche."
(Reporting by Jessie Pang, James Pomfret and Farah Master; Comprised by Anne Marie Roantree; Editing by Michael Perry and Christian Schmollinger)
Key Takeaways
- •Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years for security charges.
- •Concerns over press freedom in Hong Kong.
- •International calls for action to free Lai.
- •Impact on Hong Kong's media landscape.
- •Criticism from human rights organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reaction to Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai's 20-year sentence in security trial
1What is security?
Security refers to measures taken to protect a country, organization, or individual from threats, including crime, terrorism, and other forms of harm.
2What is human rights?
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death, including the right to life, freedom of speech, and equality.
3What is journalism?
Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information to the public, often through various media outlets.
4What is investment?
Investment is the act of allocating resources, usually money, in order to generate income or profit. It can involve various assets such as stocks, bonds, or real estate.
5What is a financial community?
A financial community refers to a group of individuals and organizations involved in the financial sector, including banks, investors, and regulatory bodies.
