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The city's pro-democracy activist and media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the territory's controversial NSL.

The 78-year-old man, who has been in jail since late 2020, had entered a plea of not guilty. He faces life in prison and is anticipated to be sentenced early next year.

The tribunal found that Lai used his now-closed Apple Daily newspaper as part of a wider effort to lobby foreign governments to impose restrictive measures on Hong Kong and China.

The city's leader welcomed the verdict, stating that Lai's actions "damaged the country's interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers," while human rights organizations labeled it "a cruel judicial farce."

The Charges and Court Case

There is "no doubt" that Jimmy Lai "held animosity" for the People's Republic of China, the presiding judge said, referencing his "constant invitation to the US to help bring down the government."

When Lai testified earlier, he rejected all charges against him, asserting he had "never" used his foreign contacts to influence international stance on Hong Kong.

Lai, a UK citizen and one of the most vocal critics of the Chinese state, was a central player in the pro-democracy protests that engulfed Hong Kong in 2019.

The national security law was enacted in response and gave authorities extensive authority to charge and jail people they considered a threat.

Monday's ruling also found Lai guilty of disseminating inflammatory content under a separate pre-existing statute.

Global Response and Judicial Concerns

"Mr Lai's spirit is okay," his lawyer said after the judgment. "The judgement is so lengthy that we'll need some time to review it first."

"The Chinese government targeted Jimmy Lai with the aim of muzzling all those who choose to censure the CCP," said a rights organization's Asia Director.

Foreign administrations, such as the UK and US, have for years called for Lai's release, which Beijing and Hong Kong have dismissed.

An Examination of Judicial Independence

Lai's trial was largely viewed as a challenge of judicial independence for Hong Kong's legal system, which have been alleged of following Beijing's line.

Critics point to the hundreds of activists jailed under the NSL - and its nearly 100% conviction rate.

Bail is also often denied in NSL cases, despite concerns about failing well-being raised by Lai's relatives and rights groups.

The Hong Kong government has also been faulted for preventing overseas counsel from working on NSL cases without special approval.

From Tycoon to Campaigner

Lai, who fled to Hong Kong as a youth, got his footing as a businessman after creating an global apparel company.

His journey as a pro-freedom campaigner started after the 1989 protests in Beijing.

He started authoring commentaries and went on to launch a string of widely-read pro-democracy publications.

Even now, many Hong Kongers see him as a leading voice for democracy, with dozens queuing to enter the court ahead of the decision.

In his testimony, Lai had said he "did not permit" his newspaper's staff to advocate for Hong Kong independence, which he described as a "plot" and "too crazy to think about."

"The core values of Apple Daily are actually the core values of the people of Hong Kong," he had said, including the "legal order, freedom, quest for self-governance, freedom of speech."