Jimmy Lai, a famous media owner, has been found guilty. He was accused of working with foreign countries and printing rebellious material. This decision is very important. It makes press freedom in Hong Kong even more difficult. Mr. Lai is 78 years old. He started the Apple Daily newspaper. It is now closed. He could go to prison for life. This is because of Hong Kong's national security law. It is also because of an old law about sedition.
Judge Esther Toh made the decision in court. She said Mr. Lai used his newspaper. He wanted foreign countries to put pressure on China. Prosecutors showed he met with foreign leaders. These included Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo from the US. They said these meetings were to harm China's government. Mr. Lai has been in jail since December 2020. His trial started more than two years ago.
Many countries are unhappy about this verdict. Britain's Foreign Secretary said it was political. She believes Mr. Lai was punished for free speech. Britain has called the Chinese ambassador to protest. The European Union said it shows democracy is fading in Hong Kong. Taiwan is very sad. Human rights groups called the trial unfair. They say the conviction is fake. This makes people worry about basic freedoms.
China's national security law was made in 2020. It came after big protests for democracy. Many think Mr. Lai's case shows this change. It has stopped a strong critical voice. Mr. Lai is waiting for his sentence. It will likely be next year. He is already in prison for other protest crimes. People are also worried about his health. He has diabetes and lost weight in jail.
This conviction has worldwide meaning. It shows China's growing power in Hong Kong. It also shows China is against foreign influence. The way the trial was handled has been watched closely. The court's decision is very long. It explains why Mr. Lai was found guilty. It said he asked the US to interfere. This case shows the tension around Hong Kong. It also shows the fight for democracy.