Hong Kong Court Sentences Jimmy Lai to 20 Years
Several international advocacy groups, including Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders, condemned the sentence. Angeli Datt, the research and advocacy coordinator of Chinese Human Rights Defenders, expressed concern that Mr. Lai’s health issues would not be treated. “Beijing has shown its willingness to let defenders die in detention, an extreme tactic to try to silence their peaceful advocacy for human rights,” she said.
By David Pierson and Francesca Regalado
Originally published by The New York Times on Feb. 9, 2026
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/08/world/jimmy-lai-sentenced-hong-kong
The media tycoon and pro-democracy activist was found guilty of colluding with foreign governments. The sentence is the harshest penalty so far under a national security law imposed by Beijing.
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Several international advocacy groups, including Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders, condemned the sentence. Angeli Datt, the research and advocacy coordinator of Chinese Human Rights Defenders, expressed concern that Mr. Lai’s health issues would not be treated. “Beijing has shown its willingness to let defenders die in detention, an extreme tactic to try to silence their peaceful advocacy for human rights,” she said.
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