Jimmy Lai Forgoes Appeal of 20-Year Security Sentence

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has decided not to appeal his conviction and 20-year prison sentence on national security charges, his legal team confirmed on Friday. The 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper was sentenced last month following a December guilty verdict on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.

Lai's case, which spanned nearly five years, concluded with the sentencing on February 9 after a 156-day trial before three judges appointed by Hong Kong's chief executive to handle national security matters. The court found that Lai had used his newspaper and international contacts to advocate for sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese authorities. His lawyers provided no reason for forgoing an appeal, stating only that they had clear instructions not to challenge the conviction or sentence. The standard 28-day appeal window expires on Monday, though a late filing would require justification.

Eight co-defendants, including six former Apple Daily executives, received sentences ranging from six years and nine months to 10 years for related conspiracy charges. Two activists...