The Court of First Instance of the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has convicted Lai Chee-ying and three associated companies (Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, and AD Internet Limited) in a case involving three charges of offences endangering national security.
The charges included “conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” (contrary to Article 29 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and sections 159A and 159C of the Crimes Ordinance), and “conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications” (contrary to sections 10, 159A and 159C of the Crimes Ordinance).
The reasons for the verdict are set out in a 855-page document, fully available for public inspection. The court adjourned the case of Lai and the three defendant companies, as well as the related cases of eight people who previously pleaded guilty, to January 12, 2026, for mitigation.
The sentencing date will be announced later. The HKSAR government welcomed the court’s conviction.
“Lai Chee-ying has long been using his media outlet, Apple Daily, to wantonly create social conflicts, incite social antagonism, incite hatred, glorify violence and openly beg for foreign sanctions against China and the HKSAR, attracting external interference,” said John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR. “He has harmed the fundamental interests of the country and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong; his actions are shameful and his intentions malicious.”
A spokesperson for the HKSAR government emphasised that the court clearly stated in its reasons for judgment that Lai was not on trial for his political views or beliefs.
“The court’s verdict of guilty is reasoned and well-founded, and fully demonstrates that the court arrived at the verdict in strict accordance with the laws and evidence, free from any interference, and entirely devoid of political considerations,” the spokesperson said.
The court conducted a total of 156 days of public hearings, having considered up to 2,220 exhibits, over 80,000 pages of documents, and evidence from 14 prosecution witnesses. Lai Chee-ying himself even testified in court for 52 days.
“These are the testaments to the fact that Lai and other defendants were found guilty only after a fair trial,” the spokesperson said, noting the court found that Lai had harboured resentment and hatred of China for many years. “Long before the enactment of the HKNSL, Lai had already been applying his mind as to what leverage the U.S. could use against the PRC. When the protests in 2019 metamorphosed into a resistance movement, Lai and Apple Daily were amongst those in the forefront.”
The spokesperson stressed that Lai had received appropriate treatment and medical care during his detention, in line with the Correctional Services Department’s commitment to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate, and healthy for persons in custody, regardless of their identities.
“Senior counsel representing Lai also clearly informed the court that the correctional institution arranged daily medical check-ups for Lai and that Lai had made no complaints about the medical services received while in custody,” the spokesperson said.
“Regarding the so-called solitary confinement, the Commissioner of Correctional Services is empowered to make arrangements under the Prison Rules that the prisoner should not associate with other prisoners. One of the purposes of such arrangements is to ensure the personal safety and well-being of the PICs. The arrangements for Lai Chee-ying have all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law.”
Lee said the HKSAR had a responsibility to safeguard national security and would resolutely combat acts and activities that endanger it.
“Hong Kong is underpinned by the rule of law and the HKSAR Government is committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account,” Mr Lee said. “The HKSAR Government’s stance is unequivocal. The Judiciary acts confidently, undaunted by any threats. We will resolutely fulfil the responsibility of safeguarding national security.”
The HKSAR government noted that throughout the enforcement, prosecution, and trial stages of Lai’s case, there were smears and attacks, as well as interference and pressure from all sides, especially external forces led by the U.S. and some Western countries.
“They continuously smeared the law enforcement actions and judicial procedures of the HKSAR. They also, through despicable political manipulations and lies, attempted to glorify the criminal acts of Lai and his syndicate, and sought to impose so-called ‘sanctions’ to intimidate judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers and other officials of the HKSAR Government, in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power in accordance with the law and engage in acts of perverting the course of justice and undermining the rule of law,” the spokesperson said.
