A speedy pardon in the Jimmy Lai case is unlikely
South China Morning Post
by Grenville CrossFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of Apple Daily, faces a lengthy 20-year prison sentence for national security offences following his trial, which concluded on February 9. He now has approximately two weeks to decide whether to appeal his conviction or the severity of his sentence. Given the complexity of the case—highlighted by a 156-day trial and a substantial amount of evidence—the resolution of any appeal is expected to take significant time.
Lai’s trial was one of the longest in Hong Kong’s legal history, underscoring the gravity of the charges brought against him under the National Security Law. The law, enacted in 2020, aims to penalize actions deemed as subverting state authority or colluding with foreign forces. Lai, a prominent figure known for his critical stance on the Chinese government and his role in funding pro-democracy groups, was found guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit acts that endanger national security.
Foreign governments and organizations have expressed interest in securing Lai’s early release. Some have raised concerns over what they perceive as the erosion of press freedom in Hong Kong since the implementation of the National Security Law. These actors argue that
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/24/2026