Jimmy Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, was found guilty on Monday, December 15, 2025, on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and one charge of conspiring to publish seditious materials under Hong Kong's national security law.
The verdict comes five years after the law was enacted in June 2020, marking another high-profile case that underscores the evolving legal framework in Hong Kong. Authorities say the law aims to safeguard stability, while critics warn it may curb dissent and press freedom.
Lai, a prominent media entrepreneur since the 2019 protests, has been a polarizing figure. Supporters hail him as a defender of free speech; opponents label him a provocateur. His conviction is expected to fuel debates over the balance between security and civil liberties.
Sentencing is scheduled for a date set by the court. Observers across G20 nations will be watching closely as this case shapes discussions on media, activism, and legal reform.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
