Jimmy Lai's 20-year sentence prompts international concern

Jimmy Lai, 78 and reported to be in poor health, was sentenced to 20 years after convictions under Hong Kong's National Security Law, and supporters and some governments have publicly criticized the trial and sentence.

Jimmy Lai, 78 and reported to be in poor health, was sentenced to 20 years after convictions under Hong Kong's National Security Law. The sentence follows charges first brought in 2020 when the law was applied in the city. Supporters and some foreign governments have criticized the trial and the length of the sentence. The case has renewed debate about Hong Kong's autonomy under the "one country, two systems" arrangement. Key facts: - Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years after convictions under the National Security Law. - He was first charged in 2020, when the law was applied in Hong Kong. - Reports note Mr. Lai is 78 and has health issues, including diabetes and heart palpitations. - Governments such as Canada, Britain and the United States have publicly condemned the trial and sentence, according to the article. Summary: The sentence has increased diplomatic attention to Mr. Lai's case and to broader concerns about changes in Hong Kong's legal environment, as reported in the editorial. Undetermined at this time.