Hong Kong’s High Court on Monday commenced hearings on mitigation submissions for pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, marking the final stage before sentencing in a closely watched national security case that has attracted widespread international criticism.
Mr Lai, 78, was convicted last month on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the Beijing-imposed national security law, as well as conspiracy to publish seditious materials. Prosecutors described him as the “mastermind” behind the alleged offences. He has consistently denied all charges.
The mitigation hearing allows defence lawyers to argue for a reduced sentence, as Mr Lai faces a possible penalty ranging from 10 years’ imprisonment to life in jail under sentencing guidelines contained in the national security legislation.
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During Monday’s proceedings, Mr Lai appeared in the glass dock alongside eight other defendants, including two key prosecution witnesses, Andy Li and Wayland Chan Tsz-wah, under heavy guard.
Addressing concerns raised by the defence about Mr Lai’s health, prosecutor Anthony Chau told the court that a medical report dated January 9 assessed his condition as “stable”. He added that no abnormalities were found following examinations related to heart palpitations flagged by Mr Lai’s lawyers last year.
A longstanding critic of the Chinese Communist Party and founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, Mr Lai is the most prominent figure prosecuted under Hong Kong’s sweeping national security crackdown, introduced after the mass pro-democracy protests of 2019.
In their verdict, the judges ruled that Mr Lai had used his influence and media platform to pursue a campaign aimed at undermining the Chinese Communist Party, even at the expense of the interests of Hong Kong and mainland China.
The prosecution also heard mitigation pleas on behalf of cooperating witnesses. Priscilia Lam, representing prosecution witness Wayland Chan, urged the court to reduce his sentence by at least half, citing his role as a key informant who provided crucial evidence against Mr Lai and other defendants.
The case has drawn significant public attention. Nearly 100 people reportedly queued overnight outside the court complex ahead of the hearing, with some supporters arriving days earlier equipped with blankets and sleeping bags.
“Many people still support Mr Lai,” said Lee Ying-chi, one of those waiting outside the court. “We hope that he can be released immediately. He has done nothing wrong.”
International reaction to the conviction has been swift. Governments including Britain, the United States and members of the European Union have criticised the verdict, while Hong Kong authorities maintain that Mr Lai received a fair trial and that the national security law has restored order to the city.
Five experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council have also called for Mr Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds, warning that his conviction reflects a sharp decline in fundamental freedoms and judicial independence in Hong Kong.
Sentencing is expected after the conclusion of mitigation hearings.
