HONG KONG — Pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, a ruling that is drawing sharp criticism from international observers, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lai, the founder of the shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, has been an outspoken advocate for democratic freedoms in a region increasingly under the control of the Chinese government.

The sentence was handed down by the High Court of Hong Kong on Monday, following a conviction under the controversial national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Lai, 78, was found guilty in December 2025 on several charges, including collusion with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. He has been in custody for over five years, largely due to a separate prison term related to fraud charges.

Rubio criticized the court’s decision as “unjust and tragic,” emphasizing that it reflects a broader strategy by the Chinese government to suppress dissent in Hong Kong. In a statement, he noted the extended suffering endured by Lai and his family during a trial that lasted two years. Rubio argued that the ruling undermines the commitments made by China in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, an agreement designed to safeguard Hong Kong’s freedoms.

Since being arrested in August 2020, Lai has become a symbol of the pro-democracy movement that has faced significant repression. The Apple Daily, known for its fierce criticism of the government, ceased operations in June 2021 after police actions led to the arrest of key staff members and the freezing of its assets.

Hong Kong authorities have maintained that the case is not an attack on press freedom, arguing that Lai utilized journalism as a cover for activities that jeopardized national security. Prosecutors alleged that he conspired with former employees and other activists to solicit foreign sanctions against Hong Kong.

Throughout the judicial process, Lai has consistently pleaded not guilty, challenging the legitimacy of the charges against him. His case has drawn the attention of human rights advocates, who argue it illustrates the deteriorating state of free speech in Hong Kong.

The sustained crackdown on dissent, critics warn, poses a grave threat to the city’s once-vibrant civil society and presses concerns regarding the broader implications for democracy in Asia. Advocates have called on foreign governments to intercede on Lai’s behalf, urging for his immediate release and humanitarian parole.

As the international community observes, the ongoing situation in Hong Kong continues to spark debates about the balance between national security and fundamental freedoms in a democratic society. With Lai’s case marking a pivotal moment in the political landscape, many are left to question the future of dissent and press institutions in the region.