Overview
- Lai was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials after a 156‑day trial.
- The court imposed terms of 22 months, 17 years and 17 years, ordering most to run concurrently with limited consecutive time, for an effective 20‑year sentence.
- A three‑judge panel said Lai was the “mastermind” and the driving force behind the conspiracies seeking foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China.
- Six former Apple Daily executives and two activists received prison terms ranging from 6 years 3 months to 10 years in the same case.
- Lai has 28 days to appeal as the UK vowed urgent engagement on his case and the US, EU and rights groups called for his release, citing his age and frail health.