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Victor Sanjinez

Jeffie Lam

Former Hong Kong media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying has been found guilty on all three charges after a landmark national security trial, nearly five years after he was first denied bail following his arrest.
The 78-year-old businessman turned opposition activist, who founded the now-defunct Apple Daily tabloid, was convicted on Monday of two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and a third count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications.
The high-profile trial spanned 156 days, with 52 days dedicated to Lai’s testimony.
Post senior designer Victor Sanjinez covered the trial and the verdict, sketching scenes that offered the public a glimpse of courtroom moments.

December 15, 2025
Dressed in a white shirt, green sweater and beige suit jacket, Lai smiled, waved and nodded to his family members as he entered the court, but remained largely emotionless, with his hands clasped together throughout, even when he learned his fate.

January 17, 2025
On the 28th day in the witness box contesting the charges, Lai said he had unknowingly paid NT$5.8 million (US$176,000) to Antonio Chiang, a top aide of then Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen, over a 27-month period, despite the man having already stopped writing for Apple Daily’s Taiwanese sister publication. He stressed that he had asked for the payments to be stopped immediately after the matter came to his knowledge.

November 22, 2024
Continuing his oral testimony for a third day, Lai told the court he had lobbied for US support for the 2019 anti-government protests through his now-defunct Apple Daily, saying he wanted Washington’s backing to ward off what he saw as mainland encroachment on the city’s fundamental freedoms.


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Jimmy Lai trial: Post sketches offer public a glimpse of courtroom moments

The scene inside the court on Monday as Jimmy Lai learned his fate. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Jimmy Lai remained largely emotionless on Monday. 

Jimmy Lai testifies on his 28th day in the dock. 

Jimmy Lai speaks in court on his third day of oral testimony.

Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai found guilty on all charges in national security trial

A Correctional Services Department vehicle carrying Jimmy Lai is escorted by police to the court. Photo: Karma Lo

A Correctional Services Department vehicle carrying Jimmy Lai leaves West Kowloon Court. Photo: Sam Tsang

Jimmy Lai’s trial spanned 156 days, with 52 days dedicated to his testimony. Photo: AP

Steve Li delivers a briefing. Photo: Karma Lo

Members of the public enter the court. Photo: Sam Tsang 

Emily Lau. Photo: Karma Lo 

Retired Cardinal Joseph Zen (left), Lai’s wife Teresa Lai (centre) and son Augustin Lai (right). Photo: Karma Lo 

Anti-riot armoured vehicle known as a “sabre-toothed tiger” is seen positioned outside the building. Photo: Karma Lo

Police stop and search vehicles passing through Tung Chau Street outside West Kowloon Court. Photo: Karma Lo

Matthias Kaufman waits outside the court. Photo: Sam Tsang 

Western diplomats arrive at the court. Photo: Sam Tsang 

Media representatives wait outside West Kowloon Court. Photo: Sam Tsang

Media representatives and members of the public queue outside the court ahead of the hearing. Photo: Sam Tsang 

Retiree surnamed Lam is among dozens queuing outside court. Photo: Connor Mycroft

A retiree waits to hear Jimmy Lai’s fate. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Court finds Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai guilty after landmark national security trial

In this courtroom sketch, Jimmy Lai sits flanked by prison guards on Monday. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

A prison vehicle brings Jimmy Lai to court on Monday. Photo: Karma Lo

Jimmy Lai harboured “deep resentment and hatred” towards the Communist Party, the court found. Photo: AFP

(From left) Teresa Li and Augustin Lai arrive at West Kowloon Court with Cardinal Joseph Zen. Photo: Sam Tsang

Representatives of various consulates arrive at the court. Photo: Sam Tsang

Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong conviction becomes China-West flashpoint

The ruling could send Jimmy Lai to jail for life. Photo: AP

Guo Jiakun urged countries to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law. Photo: dpa

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the ruling. Photo: EPA

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Hong Kong

Law and Crime

Illustrations by Post senior designer Victor Sanjinez captured some of the drama inside the court as Jimmy Lai’s trial progressed


Illustrations by Post senior designer Victor Sanjinez captured some of the drama inside the court as Jimmy Lai’s trial progressed.


Jimmy Lai trial: Post sketches offer public a glimpse of courtroom moments

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Illustrations by Post senior designer Victor Sanjinez captured some of the drama inside the court as Jimmy Lai’s trial progressed

Illustrations by Post senior designer Victor Sanjinez captured some of the drama inside the court as Jimmy Lai’s trial progressed