Li Zhiying's Three Charges Confirmed, Multiple International Organisations Condemn

On December 15, 2025, the verdict in the case of Hong Kong's former pro-democracy media tycoon Li Zhiying was announced. The image is a file photo. (Song Bilong / Dajiyuan)

[People's Daily report] On December 15, the verdict in the case of Hong Kong's former pro-democracy media tycoon Li Zhiying was delivered, with all three charges against him confirmed. Following this, several international organisations expressed their condemnation, criticising the case as a form of retaliation against Li Zhiying and a serious infringement on the rule of law.

According to New Tang Dynasty Television, at 10 a.m. today, the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court issued its ruling regarding Li Zhiying, the founder of Next Media, and three associated companies, who were accused of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law and publishing seditious materials. The three charges against Li Zhiying included two counts of 'conspiracy to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security' and one count of 'conspiracy to publish seditious materials,' all of which were confirmed. The deadline for submitting written arguments has been postponed to before 4 p.m. on January 2, 2026, with oral plea submissions scheduled for January 12, allowing four days for this process, and the sentencing date will be determined separately.

According to a report by Lingjiao Media on the 15th, Sarah Brooks, the China director of Amnesty International, criticised Li Zhiying's conviction as a death knell for press freedom in Hong Kong, highlighting that the essential role of journalism has been redefined as a crime in this city.

Elaine Pearson, the Asia Director of Human Rights Watch, described the conviction of Jimmy Lai on unfounded charges after five years of solitary confinement as a cruel judicial farce. She criticised the Chinese Communist government for its mistreatment of Lai and urged governments worldwide to pressure the authorities to drop the charges and release him immediately.

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) issued a strong condemnation of the unjust and retaliatory verdict against Lai by the Hong Kong authorities.

Mark Sabah, the UK and EU Director of the Hong Kong Freedom Commission (CFHK), stated that Lai's trial has been a bizarre display of legal subversion and trickery, and this verdict signifies a total collapse of Hong Kong's reputation as a global legal centre.

Jimmy Lai remained calm while the verdict was read. This morning, his wife, Li Yunqin, along with their youngest son, Lai Shun'en, former Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, Cardinal Joseph Zen, former Social Democratic Party member Cheng Kin-ting, and former chair of the Hong Kong Democratic Party, Lau Wai-hing, gathered outside the court, ready to attend the hearing.

According to reports from The Dajiyuan, over a hundred people lined up outside the court this morning to attend the hearing, including representatives from various consulates. Some citizens had arrived as early as the 14th to wait, and it was reported that some were speaking Mandarin. Additionally, a significant police presence was deployed for security.

Some citizens present expressed little hope for the verdict's outcome and noted that Lai's health was poor, but they did not anticipate any special pardon arrangements. One citizen remarked that they simply hoped to "come and take a look."

During an interview, a man who preferred to remain anonymous expressed that his perspective on the case goes beyond personal concerns. He stated, 'I believe that the trial of Li Zhiying is essentially a trial of all Hong Kong people. This is a trial for the people of Hong Kong.' He added, 'He represents 90% of the population in Hong Kong. His trial signifies that Li Zhiying stands for all Hong Kong people; he is a true Hong Konger.' 

Another respondent highlighted that his main concern is the verdict itself. 'I think that regardless of the outcome, the people of Hong Kong will remember this,' he stressed, reiterating, 'Today, everyone will remember.' When asked why he is concerned about Li Zhiying, he remarked, 'It is quite obvious; everyone should understand.' 

Mr Lu mentioned that he has 'no expectations' regarding the case, yet he still chose to attend in support of Li Zhiying. He said, 'I hope he remains safe.' He also expressed that he has no expectations for the current system, stating, 'In Hong Kong's judicial system, there is no medical parole,' and conveyed that 'there are not many expectations for the Hong Kong government.' 

Li Zhiying, now 78 years old, was arrested on August 10, 2020, and was granted bail for a period, but has been detained for over five years since December of that year. Following this, Apple Daily was forced to shut down, and Li Zhiying has denied all charges against him. 

Recently, Li Zhiying's daughter, Li Cai, wrote to the newspaper indicating that her father's health has worsened, with changes in his nails and dental issues, expressing concern that he may become a 'martyr for freedom' while in prison.

Furthermore, the case of Li Zhiying has garnered considerable international attention. On December 4, 11 bipartisan members of the U.S. Congress introduced a cross-party resolution, designating December 8, the birthday of Li Zhiying, as 'Li Zhiying Day' to recognise his contributions to promoting press freedom, religious freedom, and democracy in Hong Kong. The resolution also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Li Zhiying and all political prisoners in Hong Kong by the Chinese Communist Party and the Hong Kong authorities.

On December 10, International Human Rights Day, Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists published a report urging the Chinese Communist Party to release Li Zhiying.

On the same day, the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China released its annual report, highlighting the deterioration of human rights and political repression in Hong Kong. This includes the imprisonment of hundreds of political prisoners, such as Li Zhiying, under the National Security Law, as well as the successive disbanding of pro-democracy and civic organisations.

Moreover, U.S. President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau have both voiced their concerns regarding the Li Zhiying case on various occasions. According to Reuters, Trump indicated to Xi that releasing Li Zhiying would help improve Sino-U.S. relations and enhance China's international standing. △