Jimmy Lai Chee‑ying

Stories

Hong Kong's national security crackdown

Serving 20-year sentence; declined to appeal; a separate fraud conviction was overturned

Jimmy Lai's legal fight is largely over. Hong Kong's Court of Appeal rejected all 12 appeals in the Hong Kong 47 case on February 23. Lai's lawyers confirmed March 6 he would not appeal his 20-year sentence, though he won a narrower fight when judges quashed a separate fraud conviction on February 26.

Updated Yesterday

Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk court fire: disaster, demands for accountability, and a national security clampdown

Built World

Convicted on national security charges, awaiting sentencing; faces possible life imprisonment

On November 26, 2025, a fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court public housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, killing at least 159 people and injuring dozens more. It was the city's deadliest disaster since 1948.

Updated May 10

Notable Quotes

"I will stay here and fight to the end. I am prepared for prison." — Shortly after the National Security Law passed

from Hong Kong's national security crackdown · Updated Yesterday

"Freedom is a gift from God." — From prison, relayed through his legal team

from Hong Kong's national security crackdown · Updated Yesterday

Lai has described his prosecution as a “litmus test” for Hong Kong’s legal system under the National Security Law.

from Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk court fire: disaster, demands for accountability, and a national security clampdown · Updated May 10

Judges stated they were "satisfied that [Lai] was the mastermind of the conspiracies" and cited his meetings with U.S. officials as evidence of collusion.

from Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk court fire: disaster, demands for accountability, and a national security clampdown · Updated May 10