China says critic Jimmy Lai 'deserved' to be severely punished by law
China expresses full support for Hong Kong’s decision to sentence media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years, citing national security and legal enforcement.
Reuters
February 9, 2026
A prison van believed to be carrying Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, arrives at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts building for sentencing in his national security collusion trial, in Hong Kong, China, February 9, 2026
Tyrone Siu /Reuters
Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai "deserved to be severely punished under the law," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday, after a Hong Kong court sentenced the 78-year-old to 20 years in jail.
Hong Kong's judicial organs performed their duties, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular press conference.
The Chinese central government firmly supports Hong Kong in safeguarding national security in accordance with the law, Lin added.
-Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong/Reuters
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