Jimmy Lai, a media owner from Hong Kong, has been found guilty. He was convicted of national security and sedition charges. This decision has caused worry around the world. It has also started many discussions. Mr. Lai started the *Apple Daily* newspaper. It is now closed. He could go to prison for life. This is a big moment for Hong Kong. It has been ruled by China since 1997. People are now more worried about free speech and justice.
The trial took place in a court in West Kowloon. It lasted for more than two years. Mr. Lai is a British citizen. He has been in jail since late 2020. He has been in prison for over 1,800 days. Prosecutors said Mr. Lai planned to publish seditious materials. They also said he worked with foreign countries. They claimed *Apple Daily* and Mr. Lai's foreign contacts wanted sanctions against China. This, they said, put national security at risk. Mr. Lai has always said he is innocent.
Many Western countries have strongly criticized the conviction. This includes the UK, the EU, Australia, and Taiwan. Human rights groups also expressed their concern. The UK's Foreign Secretary called the verdict "politically motivated." He said Mr. Lai was "targeted for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression." Because of this, China's ambassador to the UK was called to talk about the case.
In the United States, this case is also important. Former President Donald Trump said he asked China's leader Xi Jinping to "consider his release." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the conviction is a "severe assault on democratic principles." The judges, who work on national security cases, called Mr. Lai the "mastermind" of the alleged plans. They said the evidence was "clear."
The conviction has wider effects. There are worries about Mr. Lai's health. He has lost weight and his health has declined in prison. *Apple Daily* closed in 2021 after a new security law. This showed a big change in Hong Kong's media. This new ruling is seen as another blow to Hong Kong's freedom. It is expected to increase disagreements between Beijing and Western countries.