The IPI global network strongly condemns today’s sentencing of 2025 IPI World Press Freedom Hero Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison. We urge the international community – and in particular the United Kingdom and United States – to use all diplomatic means to secure Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds.
Today, a three-judge panel sentenced Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai – who is also a British citizen – to 20 years behind bars, nearly two months after the same court found him guilty of foreign collusion and sedition. Six of Lai’s Apple Daily colleagues, who were co-defendants alongside Lai, received sentences ranging from 6 years and 3 months to 10 years.
“The IPI global network stands together in strongly condemning this outrageous and inhumane prison sentence for Jimmy Lai,” said IPI Executive Director Scott Griffen. “This sentence only shows the lengths Chinese authorities will go to stifle press freedom and democracy in Hong Kong.”
“Jimmy’s unwavering commitment to press freedom — in the face of brutal conditions — has made him a powerful symbol of courage and resilience worldwide. IPI will continue to work with our press freedom allies around the world to push for his immediate release. We strongly urge the UK, U.S. and other states to use all diplomatic means at their disposal to secure Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds.”
The sentencing marks the end of a yearslong legal case against the 78-year-old founder of now-shuttered pro-democracy outlet Apple Daily in what has become the most prominent application of Hong Kong’s 2020 Beijing-imposed National Security Law.
In sentencing Lai to 20 years behind bars, the court has effectively condemned him to life in prison, given his advanced age and deteriorating health. In recent interviews, Lai’s two children have raised the alarm that Lai’s ongoing health conditions, which include diabetes and hypertension, are rapidly worsening.
Lai has already spent more than five years in jail, as authorities have waged a yearslong campaign to silence him and crack down on free expression in Hong Kong. Lai’s first arrest in 2020 followed a wave of protests against Beijing’s efforts to impose its authoritarian rule on the territory.
Lai’s December conviction was criticized by both the UK and U.S. governments. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly raised Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing last month, though Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, said the prime minister did not go far enough to secure his father’s release. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to visit China in April.
In October, IPI, together with International Media Support, named Lai a recipient of this year’s World Press Freedom Hero award. The award was presented at a special ceremony during the IPI 75th anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, accepted the award on his father’s behalf.