Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, already convicted of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and conspiring to publish seditious publications, is likely to receive a significantly heavier prison term after co-defendants identified him as the mastermind, admitted the crimes were serious, and prosecutors highlighted his continued offending while on bail and even during remand.  

The court heard mitigation from Lai and eight guilty co-defendants, including former Stand with Hong Kong members and ex-Apple Daily executives, who described themselves as following Lai’s instructions and described the offenses as major, suggesting sentencing starting points of ten years or more. 

Several witnesses, including former Apple Daily CEO Cheung Kim-hung, testified that Lai continued directing newspaper operations and inviting foreign figures to call for sanctions against China even after his initial arrest and bail and gave instructions from prison shortly after being remanded. 

Prosecutors argued these actions show disregard for the rule of law and warrant harsher punishment.  

Lai’s attempt to mitigate sentence by citing solitary confinement was rejected when the court learned he had voluntarily requested it for personal safety reasons, not as punishment. 

His age and common elderly ailments, including high blood pressure and diabetes, were deemed irrelevant in a case of this severity. 

Under the national security law, the most serious collusion offenses carry a maximum of life imprisonment or terms exceeding ten years.

Multiple defendants portrayed Lai as the mastermind and financial backer who orchestrated international lobbying efforts aimed at prompting foreign sanctions. 

Social and legal commentary widely holds that, as the principal offender who pleaded not guilty and showed no remorse, Lai should receive the heaviest penalty to serve as a strong deterrent.