Jimmy Lai could spend the rest of his life in prison due to his age and ill health.

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One of China’s most vocal critics has been sentenced to 20 years in jail under the national security law imposed on Hong Kong which has virtually silenced any dissent against Beijing in the city.
Media mogul and businessman Jimmy Lai, 78, has been behind bars since 2020 after being arrested under laws drafted into Hong Kong and China in the aftermath of widespread protests on the island in 2019.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has long been a vocal critic of China’s influence. His publication was known for its bold stance against Beijing’s policies.

Jimmy Lai could spend the rest of his life in prison due to his age and ill health.
Lai could spend the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced to 20 years in jail.(AP)

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned Lai’s recent sentencing, asserting that it signifies a grave blow to the legal framework in Hong Kong.

“Today’s outrageous verdict marks a devastating blow to press freedom in Hong Kong,” remarked Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of CPJ, in a statement following the court’s decision on Lai’s case.
Several Australians have also been imprisoned under the National Security Law, including Gordon Ng.

Lai was apprehended in 2021 due to his involvement in an unofficial primary election and is currently serving a seven-year prison term.

Contributions to this report were made by the Associated Press.

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