History of Jimmy Lai in Timeline
Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong businessman and British citizen, is a prominent figure in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. He founded Giordano, Next Digital, and Apple Daily. Lai has been a significant supporter of the Democratic Party in Hong Kong. Imprisoned in 2020, his media operations were forced to close due to pressure from the Chinese government, highlighting the conflict between business, political activism, and governmental control.
2 hours ago : Jimmy Lai sentenced; China summons envoys over criticism of Hong Kong's actions.
Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy tycoon, received a 20-year jail sentence under Hong Kong's national security law, leading to China summoning Western envoys for criticizing the sentencing. This action silences dissidents.
December 1947: Jimmy Lai's birth
In December 1947, Lai Chee-ying (Jimmy Lai) was born.
1975: Bought a bankrupt garment factory
In 1975, Jimmy Lai used his year-end bonus on Hong Kong stocks to raise cash and bought a bankrupt garment factory, Comitex, where he began producing and exporting sweaters.
1981: Founded Giordano
In 1981, Jimmy Lai founded Asian clothing retailer Giordano.
1989: Met Current Wife Teresa
In 1989, Jimmy Lai met his current wife Teresa, who was then a 24-year-old college student.
1989: Became an advocate of democracy
Owing to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, Jimmy Lai became an advocate of democracy and critic of the People's Republic of China government.
1990: Began publishing Next Magazine
In 1990, Jimmy Lai began publishing Next Magazine, which combined tabloid sensationalism with hard-hitting political and business reporting.
1994: Became a British citizen
In 1994, Jimmy Lai became a British citizen.
1994: Banned from China after newspaper column
Jimmy Lai's publications remained banned in China since their inception. The ban originated from Lai's 1994 newspaper column, where he told Premier of the PRC Li Peng, seen as a driving force behind the Tiananmen Square crackdown, to "drop dead". He also called the Chinese Communist Party "a monopoly that charges a premium for lousy service".
1996: Sold stake in Giordano
In 1996, Jimmy Lai sold his stake in Giordano, leaving the garment industry for media and politics, keeping Comitex active as a shell company.
1997: Apple Daily's circulation rises
By 1997, Apple Daily's circulation rose to 400,000 copies, which was the territory's second largest among 60 other newspapers.
1997: Acquisition of properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake
In 1997, Jimmy Lai provided the capital for his twin sister, Si Wai, to acquire numerous properties in the Southern Ontario wine and vacation region of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Lais Group of Companies now owns additional properties in Caledon and Jordan, both in Ontario. Lai remains the owner despite his arrest.
1997: Hong Kong handover
Since the Hong Kong handover in 1997, some activists felt that the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong government, which have been Chinese-controlled, did not always follow up on these misconducts against Lai, and that culprits are rarely found.
2001: Launched Taiwanese editions of Next Magazine
Jimmy Lai launched Taiwanese editions of Next Magazine in 2001, taking on heavily established rivals who made considerable effort to thwart him.
2003: Pro-democracy protests and Next Magazine cover
In 2003, ahead of the record-breaking pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong during July, the cover of Next Magazine featured a photo-montage of the territory's embattled chief executive Tung Chee-Hwa taking a pie in the face. The magazine urged readers to take to the streets while Apple Daily distributed stickers calling for Tung to resign.
2003: Launched Taiwanese editions of Apple Daily
Jimmy Lai launched Taiwanese editions of Apple Daily in 2003, taking on heavily established rivals who made considerable effort to thwart him.
May 2007: Premiere of 'The Call of the Entrepreneur'
In May 2007, "The Call of the Entrepreneur", a documentary by Cold Water Media featuring Jimmy Lai, premiered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, US on 17 May 2007.
2011: Next Media sold stake of Colored World Holdings
In 2011, Next Media reportedly sold 70 per cent stake of Next Media's subsidiary Colored World Holdings (CWH, incorporated in the British Virgin Islands) to Sum Tat Ventures (STV, incorporated in the British Virgin Islands), a private company 100 per cent owned by Jimmy Lai. CWH was estimated to have net asset value of US$6.1 million. STV paid US$100 million in cash for 70 per cent stake of CWH. CWH itself had its assets sold in 2011, and ceased operation in 2011.
2013: STV paid for remaining stake of CWH
In 2013, STV paid another US$20 million for the remaining 30 per cent stake of CWH.
2013: Purchase of HTC stake
Near the end of 2013, Jimmy Lai spent approximately US$73 million (or NT$2.3 billion) to purchase a 2 per cent stake (~17 million shares) in Taiwanese electronics manufacturer HTC.
December 2014: Arrest during Umbrella Movement and resignation
On 13 December 2014, Jimmy Lai was one of the pro-democracy leaders arrested during the clearance of the Admiralty protest site of the Umbrella Movement. On the following day, Lai announced he would step down as head of Next Media "to spend more time with his family and further pursue his personal interests."
2014: Payments to Paul Wolfowitz and Phone Win
In 2014, leaked documents showed Jimmy Lai paid former US deputy defence secretary and former World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz US$75,000 for his help with projects in Myanmar. Lai also reportedly remitted approximately US$213,000 to businessman Phone Win, with whom Lai's Hong Kong-registered Best Combo company reportedly collaborated on Yangon real estate projects.
January 2015: Petrol Bomb Attacks on Lai's Home and Next Media
In January 2015, masked men launched petrol bomb attacks on Jimmy Lai's home and the Next Media headquarters, which were denounced as an "attack on press freedom."
2017: Allegation of Intimidation of Reporter in 2017
In 2017, Jimmy Lai allegedly intimidated an Oriental Daily reporter after the reporter took photos of him, which led to his arrest in February 2020.
October 2019: Arrest based on actions in October 2019
In October 2019, Jimmy Lai was allegedly involved in actions that led to his arrest in April 2020, including suspicion of organizing, publicizing, or taking part in several unauthorized assemblies.
November 2019: Lai Meets with US Leaders to Discuss Hong Kong Protests
In November 2019, Jimmy Lai met with US Vice President Mike Pence and US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to discuss the Hong Kong protests, advocating for shared values against China and met with US National Security Advisor John Bolton.
2019: Unlawful assembly during the 2019 protests
During the 2019 protests, Jimmy Lai participated in an unlawful assembly. On 1 April he was convicted and on April 16, 2021, he was sentenced to 14 months in prison
2019: Hong Kong protests of 2019-2020
During the Hong Kong protests of 2019-2020, Jimmy Lai, a prominent critic of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) met with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and National Security Advisor John Bolton.
2019: Discussion of the 2019 extradition law in documentary
In 2022, a documentary about Jimmy Lai mentions how COVID-19 was used as a pretext for banning protesters from organizing following the initial eruption of activity that came after the extradition law was first proposed in 2019.
2019: Role in an unauthorized assembly in 2019
In May 2021, Jimmy Lai was sentenced to additional 14 months' imprisonment over his role in an unauthorized assembly in 2019.
2019: Firebombing of Lai's home
Jimmy Lai's home was firebombed several times, most recently in 2019.
February 2020: Jimmy Lai Arrested for Illegal Assembly
On February 28, 2020, Jimmy Lai was arrested for illegal assembly during the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests, and for allegedly intimidating an Oriental Daily reporter after the reporter took photos of him in 2017.
April 2020: Lai Arrested Among 15 High-Profile Democracy Figures
On April 18, 2020, Jimmy Lai was arrested among 15 high-profile democracy figures in Hong Kong, suspected of organizing, publicizing, or participating in unauthorized assemblies between August and October 2019.
May 2020: Launched English Edition of Apple Daily
In May 2020, Jimmy Lai launched English edition of Apple Daily.
May 2020: Advocating for US intervention
In May 2020, Jimmy Lai told CNN that US president Donald Trump was "the only one who can save us" from China, with Apple Daily publishing a similar plea addressed to Trump the same month.
August 2020: Arrest and attempted asset sale
After Jimmy Lai's arrest under National Security Law in August 2020, he tried to sell his assets in Hong Kong, including the entire floor of Tai Ping Industrial Centre. It was reported that Comitex, along with other private companies controlled by Lai, were the financial tools for his political activities and donations.
August 2020: Aiding in escape attempt to Taiwan in August 2020
In August 2020, Jimmy Lai aided activist Andy Li in his ill-fated attempt to escape to Taiwan with eleven others, leading to his arrest in February 2021 while already in prison.
August 2020: Lai Arrested and Apple Daily Offices Raided
On August 10, 2020, Jimmy Lai was arrested at his home for alleged collusion with foreign forces and fraud, under the new national security law. Other Next Digital staff were also arrested, and approximately 200 Hong Kong police officers raided the offices of Apple Daily in Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate. HSBC froze his bank account.
August 2020: Arrested on charges of violating national security law
On August 10, 2020, Jimmy Lai was arrested by the Hong Kong Police Force for allegedly violating the territory's new national security law, which led to widespread criticism.
September 2020: Lai Found Not Guilty of Intimidation Charge
On September 3, 2020, Jimmy Lai was found not guilty of the Oriental Daily criminal intimidation charge.
December 2020: Lai Tearfully Admits Fear for Family
In December 2020, during an interview with BBC News, Jimmy Lai admitted fear for his family while continuing his activism from the Apple Daily newsroom, stating he would live his life meaningfully even if jailed and discussed the government's use of fear as a control tactic.
December 2020: Lai Charged Under National Security Law
On December 11, 2020, Jimmy Lai became the first high-profile figure charged under the new national security law for allegedly conspiring and colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security, based on statements he made on Twitter requesting foreign sanctions.
December 2020: Lai Rearrested for Alleged Fraud
On December 2, 2020, Jimmy Lai was rearrested for alleged fraud related to Next Digital office space lease terms and possible national security law violation, and he was denied bail.
December 2020: Lai Granted Bail with Strict Conditions
On December 23, 2020, Jimmy Lai was granted bail by the High Court with conditions including a HK$10 million deposit, house arrest, surrender of travel documents, bans on media interviews and social media, and mandatory police reporting.
2020: Launched English version of Apple Daily
In 2020, Jimmy Lai launched an English version of Apple Daily.
2020: Freedom of Press Award and resignation from Next Digital
In 2020, Jimmy Lai was awarded the "Freedom of Press Award" by Reporters Without Borders and resigned from his roles with Next Digital as director and chairman of the board.
2020: Imprisoned and business operations shuttered
In 2020, Jimmy Lai was imprisoned, and his business operations were shut down due to pressure from the Chinese government.
February 2021: Top Court Denies Bail
In February 2021, Hong Kong's top court denied Jimmy Lai's bail; a new bail application by Lai was rejected on February 19.
February 2021: Lai Arrested for Aiding Activist's Escape Attempt
On February 16, 2021, Jimmy Lai was arrested while in prison for aiding activist Andy Li in his attempt to escape to Taiwan in August 2020.
April 2021: Sentenced to additional prison time
In April 2021, Jimmy Lai was sentenced to an additional 14 months in prison for organising illegal protests.
April 2021: Fraud case adjourned until April 2021
In December 2020, Jimmy Lai's fraud case was adjourned, with Lai being denied bail until April 2021.
April 2021: Serving Sentence From April 2021
In December 2021 Jimmy Lai, while already serving a sentence from April 2021, was convicted and sentenced for his role in the banned Tiananmen candlelight vigil in Hong Kong.
April 2021: Lai Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Unlawful Assembly
On April 16, 2021, Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 14 months in prison for an unauthorised assembly charge during the 2019 protests, following his conviction on April 1.
April 2021: Jailed until April 2021
On December 3, Jimmy Lai was accused of fraud and his bail was revoked. The court decided to jail Lai until April 2021, marking the first time Lai has been detained.
May 2021: Lai's Assets Frozen and Additional Imprisonment
In May 2021, the Hong Kong government froze all of Jimmy Lai's assets, including shares of Next Digital Limited and property. On May 28, 2021, he received an additional 14 months' imprisonment for his role in an unauthorised assembly in 2019, totaling 20 months in prison.
June 2021: Received Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award
In June 2021, Jimmy Lai received the 2021 Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists.
December 2021: Lai Convicted and Sentenced for Tiananmen Vigil Role
On December 9, 2021, Jimmy Lai was convicted for his role in the banned Tiananmen candlelight vigil in Hong Kong. On December 13, 2021, he was sentenced to an additional 13 months' imprisonment. He was already serving his April 2021 sentence.
2021: Capitol attack
In 2020, Apple Daily published a falsehood-ridden 64-page report produced by Typhoon Investigations alleging Joe Biden's son Hunter had a "problematic" connection with the Chinese Communist Party, which was widely cited by far-right influencers such as Steve Bannon. An NBC News report linked the Typhoon Investigations to a fake "intelligence firm" and claimed that the author of the document, a self-identified Swiss security analyst named Martin Aspen, was a "fabricated identity". The original poster of the document, Christopher Balding, admitted that he wrote parts of the document and later stated that the document had been commissioned by Apple Daily. This was among many incidents US democracy experts believe was instrumental in the cause of the 2021 Capitol attack there.
April 2022: Nomination for Nobel Peace Prize
In April 2022, Jimmy Lai was among five Hong Kong citizens nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for "putting his freedom on the line".
May 2022: Awarded Honorary Degree from Catholic University
In May 2022, Jimmy Lai was awarded an honorary degree from the Catholic University of America for his faith and decision to remain in Hong Kong to fight for democracy. The award was accepted by his son, Sebastien, due to Lai's imprisonment.
August 2022: Lai Pled Not-Guilty to Collusion Charges
On August 22, 2022, Jimmy Lai pled not-guilty to charges related to "collusion with foreign forces."
November 2022: Government Seeks to Disallow UK Lawyer
In late 2022, and after rejection of the last appeal at the High Court on 28 November 2022, the Hong Kong government appealed to the NPCSC to disallow Jimmy Lai from using a UK lawyer, Tim Owen.
December 2022: Lai Sentenced in Fraud Case
On December 10, 2022, Jimmy Lai was sentenced to five years and nine months and fined 2 million Hong Kong dollars in the fraud case.
2022: Acton Institute Releases Documentary About Lai
In 2022, the Acton Institute released a documentary about Jimmy Lai's political activism called "The Hong Konger", in which Lai discusses COVID-19's use as a pretext for banning protests and criticizes corporate investment in China.
December 2023: US and British Officials Call for Lai's Release
In December 2023, the U.S. State Department and British foreign secretary David Cameron called for Jimmy Lai's release, citing concerns about press freedom and politically motivated charges, shortly before his trial was set to begin.
August 2024: Motion for appeal rejected
In August 2024, Jimmy Lai's motion for an appeal was rejected.
August 2024: Court Rejects Appeals Against Conviction
On August 12, 2024, the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal rejected the appeals by Jimmy Lai and six others against conviction for taking part in an unauthorised procession. His sentence was not suspended.
September 2024: Complaint Submitted to UN Special Rapporteur
In September 2024, a group claiming to be Jimmy Lai's international legal team submitted an urgent complaint to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, alleging poor prison conditions and inadequate medical and religious access.
September 2024: Law Firm Clarifies Lai's Prison Treatment
On September 27, 2024, Robertsons, Jimmy Lai's law firm, issued a statement clarifying that Lai is receiving appropriate treatment in prison, including sunlight access and exercise, and that Holy Communion is available through special arrangements.
October 2024: Trump Pledges to Intervene for Lai's Release
In October 2024, president-elect Donald Trump stated he would speak to CCP general secretary Xi Jinping about "getting Jimmy Lai out and out of the country."
November 2024: Lai's Testimony and Alleged Requests for Sanctions
In November 2024, during his testimony, Jimmy Lai stated he might have asked U.S. officials to sanction Beijing and Hong Kong. He was also asked to explain his meetings with then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence. Additionally, he distanced himself from the lobbying group "Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong".
November 2024: Admission about negative news
On 25 November 2024, Jimmy Lai admitted that he told Cheung Kim-hung about featuring more negative news in an English edition of Apple Daily, which was launched in May 2020, about a month before the enactment of the Beijing-imposed security law.
2024: Recipient of "Freedom of the Media" Award
In 2024, Jimmy Lai received the Transatlantic Leadership Network "Freedom of the Media" award.
September 2025: Imprisoned in solitary confinement
As of September 2025, Jimmy Lai remains imprisoned in solitary confinement at Hong Kong's Stanley Prison.
December 2025: Found guilty of national security offenses
In December 2025, Jimmy Lai was found guilty of national security offenses.
February 2026: Sentenced to 20 years in prison
In February 2026, Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison, a penalty Human Rights Watch called "both cruel and profoundly unjust."
2026: Lai's Health Issues in Custody
Prior to his conviction in 2026, while in custody for over five years, Jimmy Lai experienced health problems including heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
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