• Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years for foreign collusion and seditious publications.
• Global leaders, including Trump and Starmer, call for his release, highlighting human rights concerns.
• Lai's health is a concern, with warnings he could die in prison.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was sentenced on February 9 to a total of 20 years in prison as part of Hong Kong's most high-profile national security trial. Lai faced charges consisting of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials after a lengthy legal battle lasting almost five years, following his arrest in August 2020. His conviction highlights the increasing scrutiny under the national security law enforced by Beijing, with Lai asserting his status as a "political prisoner," alleging persecution for his criticism of the Chinese Communist Party, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

The sentencing of Lai has drawn significant international attention, with leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging for his release. During a recent meeting, Starmer emphasized the importance of raising Lai's case with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, underlining continued diplomatic efforts for his freedom. Observers noted that this situation reflects broader concerns about human rights and press freedoms in Hong Kong, amid a crackdown that has intensified significantly following the pro-democracy protests in 2019, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

Concerns over Lai's health have also been raised, with his family and supporters expressing fears for his well-being under prison conditions, especially considering his age and existing health issues, such as heart palpitations and high blood pressure. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse ahead of the sentencing, hoping for a different outcome, while urging the government to reconsider the harsh sentences imposed under the national security law. This scenario reflects a broader dialogue on the potential risks faced by journalists and activists in Hong Kong, a concern echoed by various human rights organizations including the Committee to Protect Journalists, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera.