AssetID: 55339435
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Jimmy Lai Convicted Under Hong Kong Security Law, Faces Life Sentence
Caption: Jimmy Lai Convicted Under Hong Kong Security Law, Faces Life Sentence. Hong Kong pro-democracy figure and media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the city's sweeping national security law. The 78-year-old, who has been jailed since late 2020, now faces the possibility of life in prison, with sentencing expected next year. The court ruled that Lai used his now-closed newspaper, Apple Daily, to push foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. Judges said he showed clear hostility toward Beijing and repeatedly sought international pressure on Chinese authorities. Hong Kong's leader welcomed the verdict, saying Lai's actions harmed the city and the country. But human rights groups condemned the ruling, calling it a politically driven case designed to silence dissent. Western governments, including the UK and US, criticised the conviction and renewed calls for Lai's release. His trial is widely seen as a major test of judicial independence in Hong Kong, as critics warn the security law continues to be used to crush the pro-democracy movement. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current affairs & Politics,Jimmy Lai conviction,Hong Kong national security law,Apple Daily,pro-democracy figure,collusion with foreign forces,life sentence risk,Beijing criticism,Hong Kong court ruling,human rights backlash,Western governments response,UK US criticism,judicial independence,crackdown on dissent
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