ASIATODAY.ID, HONG KONG — The United Nations has called for the immediate release of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai after a court sentenced the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily to 20 years in prison, a move the UN says violates international human rights law and underscores the rapid erosion of press freedom in the city.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday, February 9, 2026 strongly condemned the verdict against Jimmy Lai, 78, who was convicted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL) and related security legislation.
On 15 December 2025, Hong Kong’s High Court found Lai guilty of conspiracy to publish seditious material under the Crimes Ordinance and two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the NSL.
Lai has denied all charges, and the ruling remains subject to appeal.
Criminalising Fundamental Freedoms
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) said it had reviewed the judgment and expressed deep concern that the ruling criminalises the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, media freedom and freedom of association.
OHCHR also noted that the court relied heavily on actions that took place before the National Security Law came into force, reiterating long-standing concerns over the broad and vague definition of “collusion with external forces” under the law.
“Jimmy Lai is a publisher sentenced to 20 years in prison for exercising rights protected under international law,” Türk said.
“This case illustrates how the overly broad and ambiguous provisions of Hong Kong’s national security legislation can be interpreted and enforced in ways that breach Hong Kong’s international human rights obligations. This verdict should be promptly quashed.”
Call for Humanitarian Release
Beyond legal concerns, the High Commissioner also urged Lai’s immediate release on humanitarian grounds, citing his advanced age, health condition, and the fact that he has already spent more than four years in detention.
OHCHR further raised alarm that the judgment appeared to treat engagement with the United Nations and UN human rights mechanisms by third parties as relevant evidence of guilt, calling this a deeply troubling development.
Press Freedom in Free Fall
Since the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020 and the passage of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in 2024, press freedom in Hong Kong has sharply deteriorated. Numerous independent media outlets have been shut down, dozens of journalists arrested, and foreign reporters subjected to stricter visa rules and accreditation requirements.
“This forms part of a broader repressive trend in Hong Kong,” Türk said.
“Hundreds of people have been arrested and prosecuted under these laws.”
Alongside Lai, six former Apple Daily staff members, an activist and a paralegal were also sentenced on Monday to prison terms ranging from six to 10 years.
According to media reports citing official sources, at least 385 individuals have been arrested and 175 convicted under national security-related offences in Hong Kong between 2020 and 2026. (AT Network)