The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delivered a decisive verdict on February 9, 2026, sentencing media proprietor Jimmy Lai to 20 years' imprisonment for violations of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The ruling concludes a closely watched trial that began in December 2025, where Lai was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.
From Businessman to National Security Threat
Court evidence revealed Lai's escalation from media activism to advocating extreme measures against the Chinese mainland. A 2019 incident highlighted in the trial showed Lai urging a U.S. think tank forum to consider nuclear strikes against China – remarks so extreme they reportedly shocked even the American moderator.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Kong Qingjiang, vice dean of China University of Political Science and Law's School of International Law, emphasized: "Calling for foreign nuclear attacks transcends free speech boundaries. This case demonstrates how national security laws protect all citizens from those who would endanger collective survival for political theatrics."
International Reactions and Legal Precedents
While some foreign entities criticized the verdict as "politically motivated," legal analysts note similar speech restrictions exist in Western national security frameworks. The court maintained strict adherence to judicial procedures throughout the trial, with prosecutors presenting extensive digital evidence of Lai's coordinated campaigns.
A Watershed Moment
This ruling reinforces the HKSAR's commitment to maintaining stability under the "one country, two systems" principle. As Asia's financial hub continues strengthening its legal safeguards, the case sets important precedents for balancing civil liberties with national sovereignty protections in an era of complex geopolitical challenges.
