Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital and the now-defunct Apple Daily, was sentenced today (Feb 9) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court (serving as the High Court) to 20 years in prison. The sentence covers two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications, with 18 years to be served consecutively.
The court had previously convicted three affiliated Apple Daily companies on related charges.
Following the verdict, Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah met with the media. He welcomed the court's decision, describing the 20-year sentence as appropriate.
When asked about suggestions that Lai may spend the rest of his life in prison, Li replied that "no one can answer that—only heaven knows." However, he firmly stated that Lai's sentence was justified given the nature and severity of the offenses.
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