Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday following his conviction on charges of foreign collusion and seditious publication, according to Al Jazeera and Sky News. The 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, who is also a British citizen, received his sentence from three High Court judges in Hong Kong.
Lai was arrested in August 2020 after China imposed a national security law following massive anti-government protests, as reported by Sky News. He was found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials in December of the previous year. Lai had denied all charges.
His family, lawyer, supporters, and former colleagues have appealed for his release, warning that he could die in prison due to his health conditions, including heart palpitations and high blood pressure, Al Jazeera reported.
The sentencing comes amidst other significant international developments. In Japan, the ultra-conservative Prime Minister is set to seize more power after an exit poll suggested she secured a big majority in the lower house following a snap election, according to Sky News. Sanae Takaichi's coalition is predicted to win between 302 and 366 of the 465 seats in the chamber, well above the 233 needed for a majority.
Meanwhile, in Iran, authorities arrested four people on charges of attempting to disrupt the country's political and social order and working for the benefit of Israel and the United States during the anti-government protests of January, as reported by Al Jazeera. The detainees included three prominent reformist politicians, according to Iranian media.
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