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Hong Kong Court Begins Mitigation Hearing for Jimmy Lai Ahead of Sentencing

The case tests press freedom in the city under Beijing's 2020 security law.

Overview

  • The High Court opens four days of mitigation arguments for Lai and co-defendants at 10 a.m., with sentencing to follow at a later date.
  • Judges convicted Lai in December of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious material under national security and colonial-era laws.
  • Grave collusion offenses carry 10 years to life in prison, while the sedition offense carries a maximum two-year term.
  • Eight other defendants have pleaded guilty, with five serving as prosecution witnesses, including former Apple Daily and Next Digital executives.
  • Lai has been detained since 2020 and held in solitary confinement for more than 1,800 days, with his family alleging health deterioration that authorities deny.