It wasn’t until December 2023 that Mr Lai’s show trial for alleged national security offences finally began. Mr Lai has also been barred from receiving consular access all this time despite being a British citizen, as China insists he is a Chinese citizen. Last December, Mr Lai was convicted after the lengthy sham trial. Other Apple Daily senior editors and executives were given sentences of up to 10 years. “Essentially it’s a life sentence,” said Mr Lai’s son, Sebastian.

Source: Punch February 13, 2026 15:27 UTC