As of 08 February 2026, the legal proceedings against Jimmy Lai Chee-ying (黎智英), the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily and Next Digital, have reached a critical juncture in Hong Kong. Following a marathon trial lasting 156 days, a landmark sentencing is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning.
Latest Update: Sentencing Scheduled
The Hong Kong Judiciary has confirmed that Jimmy Lai and eight other defendants will receive their sentences on 09 February 2026 at 10:00 AM at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts. Lai faces a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Case Background and Verdicts
Jimmy Lai, a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, has been in custody since December 2020. In late 2025, he was convicted on three major counts under the National Security Law and colonial-era sedition laws:
- Conspiracy to collude with foreign forces (two counts).
- Conspiracy to publish seditious publications.
The prosecution alleged that Lai used his media platform and international influence to solicit foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials during the 2019 protests and subsequent political shifts.
Co-Defendants and Related Sentences
The sentencing on 09 February will also include six former Apple Daily executives and two activists from the “Stand with Hong Kong” (SWHK) group, all of whom previously pleaded guilty:
| Defendants | Status |
|---|---|
| Jimmy Lai | Sentencing 09 Feb 2026 (Faces Life) |
| Cheung Kim-hung, Chan Pui-man, et al. (6 Executives) | Sentencing 09 Feb 2026 |
| Andy Li & Chan Tsz-wah (Activists) | Sentencing 09 Feb 2026 |
Public and International Reaction
The case has drawn significant international scrutiny. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders, have characterized the trial as a bellwether for press freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong. Conversely, pro-Beijing outlets and the Hong Kong government maintain that the proceedings are a necessary application of the law to safeguard national security.
In anticipation of the sentencing, members of the public have reportedly begun queuing outside the West Kowloon Court to secure seats in the public gallery, with some arriving days in advance despite a heavy police presence.
Data compiled by Canada Wire Editorial Team. All currency in CAD ($) where applicable. Last updated 08 February 2026.