Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai, the prominent pro-democracy media figure and outspoken critic of the Chinese government, was found guilty on Monday in a high-profile national security trial that could result in a life sentence.

The 78-year-old founder of the shuttered Apple Daily newspaper was convicted by a panel of three government-appointed judges on charges of conspiring to collude with foreign powers to jeopardise national security and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. Lai had maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

Arrested in August 2020 under a sweeping security law imposed by Beijing following the 2019 anti-government demonstrations, Lai has spent five years in custody. During this period, he has served sentences for several minor offences, and observers noted he appeared visibly thinner and more frail during the latest court appearance.

The courtroom was attended by Lai’s family and Cardinal Joseph Zen. Before being led away by security, Lai acknowledged his wife and son with a nod.

The non-jury trial has served as a critical indicator for the U.S., Britain, and the EU regarding the state of judicial independence and press freedom in the former British colony, which was returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

The case also carries significant diplomatic weight. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he has discussed the matter with Beijing, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has categorised the release of Lai—a British citizen—as a top priority for his administration.

Under the national security legislation, the collusion convictions carry a penalty range from three years to life in prison. The sedition charge allows for a maximum of two years. A mitigation hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12, where Lai's legal team will argue for a reduced sentence.

The Apple Daily, known for its sharp criticism of the Chinese Communist Party and the local government, ceased operations in 2021 after a police raid led to the arrest of top editors and the freezing of its financial assets.

Over the 156-day trial, the prosecution argued that Lai conspired with Apple Daily executives and others to solicit foreign sanctions and "hostile activities" against China and Hong Kong. Evidence included 161 published articles, social media activity, and high-level meetings in 2019 with former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

In an 855-page ruling, Judge Esther Toh described Lai as the “mastermind” of the conspiracies. She stated the evidence indicated Lai sought to leverage U.S. influence against China long before the security law existed, claiming he extended “constant invitations” to the U.S. to undermine the Chinese government under the guise of supporting Hong Kong's people.

Toh noted that the court believed Lai intended to seek the "downfall of the ruling Communist Party even at the sacrifice of the people of China and Hong Kong."

Testifying for 52 days, Lai argued he did not call for foreign sanctions after the security law was enacted in June 2020. His defence also centred on the principles of freedom of expression.

Concerns regarding Lai’s physical condition persisted throughout the trial. His lawyers reported he suffered from heart palpitations, while his daughter, Claire, told The Associated Press that his body was "failing" due to diabetes, high blood pressure, and various infections.

“His spirit is strong, but his body is failing,” she said.

The Hong Kong government maintained that Lai’s medical care is “adequate and comprehensive,” stating that no abnormalities were detected during recent checkups.

Public interest remained high, with residents queuing before dawn for a seat in the gallery. Tammy Cheung, a former employee, arrived at 5 a.m. out of concern for Lai's health. While she noted the verdict felt "rushed" following its announcement last Friday, she expressed relief that the case was nearing a conclusion.

The trial, originally set for December 2022, was delayed by a year after the government blocked a British attorney from representing Lai on national security grounds. Lai is currently serving a sentence of five years and nine months for separate fraud charges and has previously been sentenced for his involvement in unauthorised protest assemblies.

With inputs from PTI