Hong Kong's most vocal China critic, media tycoon Jimmy Lai, left court on Monday (February 9) after being sentenced to 20 years in jail, ending the city's biggest national security case which drew international concern about the territory's freedoms and autonomy.

Lai's sentence on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one for publishing seditious materials ends a legal saga that has spanned nearly five years.

His 20-year sentence was within the harshest penalty "band" for offences of a "grave nature" and is the most severe punishment meted out yet, the three national security judges said.

Lai, founder of the feisty but shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, was first arrested in August 2020 and was convicted last year.

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Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai leaves court after being sentenced 20 years in jail

VIDEO SHOWS: HONG KONG CORRECTIONAL SERVICES VEHICLES, ONE OF WHICH IS BELIEVED TO BE CARRYING MEDIA TYCOON AND DEMOCRAT JIMMY LAI, LEAVING COURT

SHOWS: HONG KONG, CHINA (FEBRUARY 9, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. HONG KONG CORRECTIONAL SERVICES (HKCS) VEHICLES, ONE OF WHICH IS BELIEVED TO BE CARRYING MEDIA TYCOON AND DEMOCRAT JIMMY LAI, LEAVING COURT

2. POLICE OFFICERS, ONE HOLDING LEASH OF A POLICE DOG

3. POLICE OFFICERS STANDING GUARD OUTSIDE COURT

4. VARIOUS OF ARMED POLICE STANDING GUARD

5. POLICE OFFICERS ON DUTY OUTSIDE COURT