Mitigation Hearings End for Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Ahead of Sentencing

Hong Kong's High Court concluded mitigation hearings on Tuesday for media tycoon and outspoken Beijing critic Jimmy Lai, completing the final procedural step before sentencing in a high-profile national security case that has drawn international attention.

Over two days, defence lawyers for Lai and eight co-defendants, including senior former staff of the now-closed pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, argued for reduced sentences. The court said a date for sentencing will be announced later.

“There are a lot of legal issues, and important questions of law that need to be handled,” said Judge Alex Lee, a member of the three-judge panel overseeing the case.

NATIONAL SECURITY LAW

Lai, 78, founder of Apple Daily, was convicted last month on two counts: conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the China-imposed national security law, and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. He has denied the charges and told the court he is a "political prisoner" persecuted by Beijing.

The court's judgment found that Lai conspired with individuals, officials and politicians in multiple countries to seek the "downfall of the Chinese Communist Party", a finding that underpins the national security convictions.

Defence counsel for former senior editor Lam Man-chung, Erik Shum, urged the court to impose a lighter sentence on Lam because of his "very limited role". Shum argued that defendants with lesser involvement should receive more lenient terms, citing provisions of the national security law and prior judgments.

Judge Lee cautioned that, depending on how the offences are characterised under specific articles of the national security law, some offences could fall into the heaviest sentencing band, with terms starting at 10 years and extending to life. Marco Li, representing former associate publisher Chan Pui-man, said her limited supervisory role should prompt a lower starting point even if placed in the upper band.

HEALTH, DETENTION CONDITIONS AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

Lai and his family did not submit mitigation letters, his relatives said, though concerns over his health have intensified international appeals for clemency or transfer. Authorities say Lai has spent more than 1,800 days in solitary confinement.

Diplomats from Britain, the European Union and the United States attended Tuesday's hearing, underscoring sustained international interest. Reports say U.S. President Donald Trump raised Lai's case with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during an October meeting in South Korea; both leaders are scheduled to meet again in April.

Claire Lai, one of Lai's daughters, posted a video contesting prosecution claims that her father requested solitary confinement for his own safety: "My father is in a cell on his own that is smaller and older than most," she said, alleging he was denied outdoor exercise and held in a cell with little natural light.

Hong Kong's Correctional Services Department told Reuters Lai's custodial environment is "secure, safe, humane," and includes adequate lighting, ventilation and outdoor exercise "if weather permits." The department said it aims to meet standards for prisoner welfare while maintaining security.

The hearing now moves toward sentencing, with the court to set the date after resolving outstanding legal matters raised by the panel of judges.