Vienna – International Press Institute, Oct. 14, 2025
The media empire Jimmy Lai built sought to challenge the dominant narrative. Now he’s being punished for it.
Hong Kong was once known as a safe haven for journalists, boasting a free and vibrant press. That changed dramatically over the past decade, as Beijing sought to impose its authoritarian rule on the territory, dismantling press freedom and free expression in the process. Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, whose media titles had long challenged the Chinese Communist Party as well as Hong Kong’s power structures, stood against this wave. Now he’s being punished for it.
For nearly the past two years, Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-closed pro-democracy outlet Apple Daily, has been on trial in Hong Kong on politically motivated national security charges. The landmark case, which has made headlines around the world, finally came to a conclusion in August 2025, as both the defense and prosecution wrapped up closing arguments. Now, Lai awaits a verdict. If convicted, he could face a life sentence behind bars.
The lengthy trial, which was marred by delays and postponements, has taken a toll on the physical health of the 77-year-old media mogul, who began suffering heart palpitations just as closing arguments were set to begin.
Yet despite authorities’ multi-year campaign to silence and break him, Lai has maintained his innocence, earning global recognition as a symbol of freedom of the press in authoritarian China.
