The Hong Kong High Court delivered its verdict on the morning of the 9th, sentencing Next Digital founder Jimmy Lai (Li Zhiying) to 20 years in prison for two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications.
Li Zhiying, 78, has been detained since December 2020.
According to Xinhua News Agency, in this case, Li Zhiying, Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, and Apple Daily Internet Limited were charged with one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications and one count of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. Li Zhiying was separately charged with an additional count of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.
The case officially began trial on December 18, 2023, presided over by three judges designated under the Hong Kong National Security Law. On June 11, 2024, the prosecution officially concluded presenting evidence, and on July 25, the court ruled there was a prima facie case on all charges. Li Zhiying began giving testimony on November 20, 2024, concluding in March 2025. Closing arguments were presented by all sides from August 18 to 28, 2025.
On December 15, 2025, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region High Court found Li Zhiying guilty on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications. Sentencing submissions for the defendants in the Li Zhiying case were handled in court on January 12, 2026, and completed on the 13th.