Apple Daily Founder Jimmy Lai Guilty of Violating National Security Law in Hong Kong

 Recently CNN.co.jp reported the following:

「リンゴ日報」創業者の黎智英氏、国安法違反で有罪　香港

2025.12.15 Mon posted at 15:08 JST

香港（CNN） 香港紙「リンゴ日報」の創業者、黎智英（ジミー・ライ）氏（78）が香港国家安全維持法（国安法）違反などの罪に問われた裁判で、香港の裁判所は15日、黎氏に有罪判決を言い渡した。今回の裁判は、中国政府の統治下で香港の自由が縮小しているかどうかを測る試金石とみられ、注目を集めていた。

香港で広がった民主化を求める大規模な抗議活動を受けて、国安法は2020年に施行された。黎氏は国安法に基づき起訴された最も著名な中国政府批判者のひとり。

黎氏は、中国共産党に対する批判的な論調で知られた「リンゴ日報」を創刊した。同紙は21年に当局の圧力で廃刊に追い込まれた。

黎氏は、終身刑を科される可能性がある。量刑は後日、言い渡される。

15日の判決言い渡しで、裁判官は黎氏について、「成人してからの長い間、中国に対する憤りと憎しみを抱いていたことは疑いようがない」と述べた。

また、黎氏が第1次トランプ米政権時に米国の政治家らに働きかけたことを、扇動や外国勢力との結託の証拠として指摘した。具体的には、当時のペンス副大統領やポンペオ国務長官との会談や、トランプ大統領本人との面会を試みたことなどを挙げた。

黎氏は終始落ち着いた様子で、冒頭には手を振って妻と息子にあいさつした。判決が下された際に反応は見せなかったが、眼鏡を外して顔をぬぐい、法廷から退出した。

この裁判は世界中で注目されており、黎氏を「救い出す」と発言したこともあるトランプ大統領も関心を寄せていた。

Translation

Apple Daily Founder Jimmy Lai Guilty of Violating National Security Law in Hong Kong

2025.12.15 Mon posted at 15:08 JST

Hong Kong (CNN) On December 15, a Hong Kong court found Jimmy Lai (78), founder of the Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily, guilty of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL). The trial was closely watched, as it was seen as a test of whether Hong Kong's freedoms were being curtailed under Chinese rule.

The NSL was enacted in 2020 in response to large-scale pro-democracy protests that spread across Hong Kong. Lai was one of the most prominent critics of the Chinese government to be indicted under the NSL.

Lai founded Apple Daily, a newspaper known for its critical stance toward the Chinese Communist Party. The newspaper was forced to close in 2021 under pressure from the authorities.

Lai faced a possible life sentence. Sentencing would be announced at a later date.

At the sentencing on the 15th, the judge said of Lai, "There is no doubt that he has harbored resentment and hatred toward China for a long period of his adult life."

The judge also pointed to Lai's efforts to influence US politicians during the first Trump administration as evidence of incitement and collusion with foreign powers. Specifically, the judge cited his meetings with then-Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo, as well as his attempts to meet with President Trump himself.

Lai remained calm throughout the trial, waving to his wife and son at the beginning. He showed no reaction when the verdict was handed down, but removed his glasses, wiped his face, and left the courtroom 

The trial had attracted global attention, including from President Trump, who had previously said he would "rescue" Lai.

So, as expected, a Hong Kong court found Jimmy Lai guilty of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law. The trial can be seen as a test of whether Hong Kong's freedom is eroded after 1997. Apparently, it has been.