Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy leader and media tycoon, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for national security offences. His family warned the punishment could mean he would “die a martyr behind bars.” Lai’s daughter, Claire, described the sentence as “heartbreakingly cruel,” citing her 78-year-old father’s declining health. Her brother, Sebastien Lai, called it “draconian” and “devastating.” The sentencing concludes a legal battle that lasted nearly five years. Critics say it shows Hong Kong’s shift from a largely free city to one where dissent is heavily suppressed by authorities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Lai was convicted in December of sedition and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. The collusion convictions can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Lai, who founded the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, has been a vocal supporter of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. The newspaper played a major role during the 2010s protests before it was forced to close in 2021 due to the national security law. The sentence drew immediate condemnation from international organizations and governments. Reporters Without Borders stated the decision marks “the collapse of press freedom in Hong Kong” and highlights authorities’ disregard for independent journalism. Human Rights Watch called the 20-year sentence “effectively a death sentence” and condemned it as cruel and unjust. Amnesty International described Lai’s case as “another grim milestone” showing Hong Kong’s move from rule of law to rule by fear. The British government has also labeled his prosecution as politically motivated and called for his release. Lai’s family expressed deep worry over his health. Since being jailed in December 2020, Lai has spent much time in solitary confinement. His family said he has lost significant weight and suffers from dental problems. Hong Kong authorities countered these claims, stating Lai has received medical care and chose to remain separate from other prisoners. After the sentencing, Steve Li, chief superintendent of the police National Security Department, said the sentence was “appropriate” and suggested Lai’s health issues were “exaggerated.” Lai was sentenced alongside eight co-defendants, including two activists and six former executives from his media company, all of whom pleaded guilty. The trial was overseen by three judges specially selected to handle national security cases. In an 855-page judgment, the court described Lai as a “very savvy businessman” whose strong opposition to the Chinese Communist Party led him down a “thorny path.” The judges said Lai aimed to “tear down the CCP” and used his newspaper and foreign connections, particularly in the US, to lobby for sanctions after pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020. Lai maintained that he never called for sanctions after the national security law took effect, saying it would have been “suicidal” to do so. The UK Prime Minister raised Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping in January, but progress toward his release remains unclear. Lai’s son recently criticized the UK government for not acting quickly enough, saying “time is running out.” Former US President Donald Trump also expressed intentions to secure Lai’s release. Meanwhile, Taiwan and other human rights organizations continue to denounce the sentence as a sign of growing repression in Hong Kong.