The Intelligence from The Economist Judgment day: Jimmy Lai convicted
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Dec 15, 2025 
Alice Su, a senior international correspondent with deep insights into China and Hong Kong, discusses the conviction of media mogul Jimmy Lai under the national security law and its chilling effects on dissent. Joel Budd, social affairs editor, explains how UK policies are hurting London, from funding cuts to the exodus of wealthy residents. Meanwhile, Alex Hearn, known for his 'hungover correspondent' title, shares why hangovers happen and offers scarce solutions, debunking popular myths about relief that just prolong the pain.
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Landmark Conviction Signals Shrinking Freedoms
- Jimmy Lai's conviction marks a decisive shrinking of Hong Kong's civil liberties under the national security law.
- The case signals that high-profile critics face severe penalties and diminishing space for dissent.
From Clothing Tycoon To Defiant Publisher
- Jimmy Lai built his wealth from a clothing empire before founding Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper.
- He remained in Hong Kong as a British citizen and chose to continue speaking out despite the risks.
How Beijing Tightened Legal Controls
- Beijing's 2020 national security law created broad, ambiguous offences like subversion and collusion with foreign forces.
- Trials under these laws can occur without juries and use judges from a special pool, increasing conviction rates.