A Hong Kong court sentenced former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to 20 years in prison on Monday for violating the national security law, closing a chapter of what has become a geopolitical flashpoint between China and the West.
Three High Court judges handed down penalties to Lai, as well as six senior executives of his Apple Daily tabloid-style newspaper, three companies associated with the now-defunct outlet and two activists, in an hour-long hearing at West Kowloon Court.
Lai, 78, has been convicted on two conspiracy counts of collusion with foreign forces under the Beijing-decreed national security law, and a third of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious articles in breach of local legislation.
Police have ramped up deployment outside West Kowloon Court, with more than 100 officers stationed at the entrance. They set up barricades along the public and media queues and urged journalists not to conduct interviews on the heavily guarded path leading to the building.
The “Sabre-toothed Tiger,” an armoured tactical vehicle, is also spotted outside the court.
Around 15 representatives from Western consulates general, including those of the United States, Britain and the European Union, arrived at the court around 8.45am.
Lai’s wife, Teresa Li Wan-kam, and retired cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun were seen entering the court.
