How the Security Law Used Against Jimmy Lai Has Changed Hong Kong

After pro-democracy protests rocked Hong Kong in 2019, mainland China tightened its grip by imposing a broad national security law on the former British colony. Since then, dozens of opposition figures have been arrested, including Jimmy Lai, a former media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner. On Feb. 9, Lai, 78, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of national security crimes in a trial that demonstrated Chinese President Xi Jinping’s resolve to stamp out political dissent in the once-freewheeling financial hub.

Lai is the most prominent among dozens of democracy advocates who have been convicted under the new security law. Western governments and rights groups have criticized the legislation for eroding the considerable autonomy and freedom of expression promised to Hong Kongers before the British handed over the city to Chinese control almost three decades ago. Beijing has defended its actions and decried foreign criticism as interference in its affairs.