History of Jimmy Lai in Timeline
Jimmy Lai is a Hong Kong businessman, pro-democracy activist, and founder of Giordano, Next Digital, and Apple Daily. A vocal critic of the Chinese government, Lai has been a key figure in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, providing support to the Democratic Party. He became a British citizen in 1994. In 2020, Lai was imprisoned, and his media businesses were forced to close due to pressure from the Chinese government. His case has drawn international attention to the suppression of dissent and freedom of the press in Hong Kong.
December 1947: Jimmy Lai's Birth
In December 1947, Lai Chee-ying, also known as Jimmy Lai, was born. He is a Hong Kong businessman, politician, and political prisoner.
1975: Purchase of 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: Foundation of Giordano
In 1981, Jimmy Lai founded the Asian clothing retailer Giordano.
1989: Tiananmen Square Crackdown
Following the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, Jimmy Lai became an outspoken advocate of democracy and critic of the Beijing government.
1989: Meeting Teresa
In 1989 Jimmy Lai met his current wife Teresa, then a 24-year-old college student.
1990: Foundation of Next Magazine
In 1990, Jimmy Lai founded Next Magazine, which combined tabloid sensationalism with political and business reporting.
1994: Jimmy Lai Becomes a British Citizen
In 1994, Jimmy Lai became a British citizen.
1994: Banning of Publications in Mainland China
In 1994, Jimmy Lai's publications were banned in mainland China after he criticized then-premier Li Peng and the Chinese Communist Party in a column.
1995: Establishment of Apple Daily
In 1995, Jimmy Lai invested US$100 million to establish Apple Daily.
1996: Sale of Giordano Stake
In 1996, Jimmy Lai sold his stake in Giordano, leaving the garment industry for media and politics, while keeping Comitex active as a shell company.
1997: Circulation of Apple Daily
By 1997, Apple Daily's circulation reached 400,000 copies, making it the territory's second-largest newspaper.
1997: Property Acquisition in Ontario
In 1997, Jimmy Lai provided the capital for his twin sister, Lai Si-wai, to acquire numerous properties in the Southern Ontario wine and vacation region of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
1997: Start of the Chinese Controlled Government
Since the handover in 1997, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong government has been Chinese-controlled.
2001: Expansion into Taiwan with Next Magazine
In 2001, Jimmy Lai expanded into Taiwan with a Taiwanese edition of Next Magazine.
2003: Political Activism with Next Magazine and Apple Daily
In 2003, ahead of the 1 July march, Next Magazine and Apple Daily featured a photo-montage of Tung Chee-Hwa taking a pie in the face and urged citizens to protest, distributing stickers calling for his resignation.
2006: Launch of New Publications in Taiwan
In 2006, Jimmy Lai launched Sharp Daily, a free commuter newspaper, along with Me! Magazine in Taiwan.
May 2007: "The Call of the Entrepreneur" Film Premiere
In May 2007, The Call of the Entrepreneur, a documentary produced by Cold Water Media in which Jimmy Lai is one of the main subjects, premiered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, US on 17 May 2007.
2011: Acquisition of Colored World Holdings
In 2011, Jimmy Lai's private company Sum Tat Ventures, based in the British Virgin Islands, acquired the entirety of Next Media's subsidiary Colored World Holdings for US$120 million, shortly after which CWH ceased operations.
2013: Investment in HTC
Near the end of 2013, Jimmy Lai spent approximately US$73 million to purchase a 2 per cent stake in Taiwanese electronics manufacturer HTC.
December 2014: Arrest and Resignation Announcement
On December 13, 2014, Jimmy Lai was arrested during the clearance of the Admiralty protest site of the Umbrella Movement. The next day, he announced he would step down as head of Next Media.
2014: Leaked Documents and Payments
In 2014, leaked documents showed that Jimmy Lai paid Paul Wolfowitz US$75,000 for his help with projects in Myanmar and remitted approximately US$213,000 to an NGO run by Phone Win.
January 2015: Petrol Bomb Attacks on Home and Headquarters
In January 2015, Jimmy Lai's home and Next Media headquarters were attacked with petrol bombs. The crimes were denounced as an "attack on press freedom".
2017: Intimidation Allegation
In 2017, Jimmy Lai allegedly intimidated an Oriental Daily reporter after the reporter took photos of him.
October 2019: Participation in Unauthorized Assemblies
Between August and October 2019, Jimmy Lai was suspected of organizing, publicizing, or taking part in several unauthorized assemblies.
November 2019: Meeting with US Officials
In November 2019, Jimmy Lai met with US Vice President Mike Pence and US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to discuss the Hong Kong protests. Pelosi expressed support for the Hong Kong protesters.
2019: Increased Attacks and Intimidation
In 2019, Jimmy Lai faced increased hostile attacks, including firebombing of his home. Mark Simon, Lai's aide, condemned these attacks as an effort to intimidate the press.
2019: Unauthorised Assembly
In 2019, Jimmy Lai participated in an unauthorised assembly, which led to an additional 14 months' imprisonment in May 2021.
2019: Extradition Law Proposal
In 2019, The documentary "The Hong Konger" refers to how COVID-19 was used as a pretext for banning protesters from organising following the initial eruption of activity that came after the extradition law was first proposed in 2019.
February 2020: Arrest for Illegal Assembly
On 28 February 2020, Jimmy Lai was arrested for illegal assembly during his attendance in the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests and for allegedly intimidating an Oriental Daily reporter.
April 2020: Arrest of High-Profile Democracy Figures
On 18 April 2020, Jimmy Lai was among 15 high-profile democracy figures arrested in Hong Kong, based on suspicion of organizing, publicizing, or taking part in several unauthorized assemblies between August and October 2019.
May 2020: Advocacy and Political Stance
In May 2020, Jimmy Lai stated to CNN that Donald Trump was "the only one who can save us" from China, with Apple Daily publishing a similar plea to Trump. He backed Trump in the 2020 United States elections for his "hardline approach" to Beijing.
June 2020: National Security Law Enactment
In June 2020, China's parliament enacted the Hong Kong national security law, bypassing Hong Kong's Legislative Council. Prior to its enactment, Jimmy Lai described the law as "a death knell for Hong Kong," claiming it would destroy the territory's rule of law.
August 2020: Attempt to Sell Assets After Arrest
After his arrest under the National Security Law in August 2020, Jimmy Lai tried to sell his assets in Hong Kong, including the entire floor of Tai Ping Industrial Centre.
August 2020: Andy Li's Escape Attempt
In August 2020, activist Andy Li attempted to escape to Taiwan with eleven others, an attempt for which Jimmy Lai was later arrested in February 2021 for allegedly aiding.
August 2020: Arrest Under National Security Law
On August 10, 2020, Jimmy Lai was arrested under the new national security law, leading to widespread criticism.
September 2020: Acquittal of Intimidation Charge
On 3 September 2020, Jimmy Lai was found not guilty of the Oriental Daily criminal intimidation charge.
December 2020: BBC Interview and Fear for Family
In December 2020, Jimmy Lai, temporarily out on bail, was interviewed by BBC News from the Apple Daily newsroom. During the interview, he expressed his fear for his family due to his activism, but stated that imprisonment would mean he lived his life meaningfully, and warned against the government's use of fear as a control tactic.
December 2020: Charged Under National Security Law
On December 11, 2020, Jimmy Lai was 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.
December 2020: Arrest for Alleged Fraud
On December 2, 2020, Jimmy Lai was arrested for alleged fraud related to lease terms for Next Digital office space, during his bail reporting for the August arrest. He was denied bail, and the case was adjourned until April 2021.
December 2020: 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, and bans on media interviews, publishing articles, and social media use, including Twitter. He also had to report to police thrice a week.
2020: Imprisonment of Jimmy Lai
In 2020, Jimmy Lai was imprisoned, and his business operations were shuttered under pressure from the Chinese government.
2020: Launch of English-Language Apple Daily Edition
In 2020, amidst escalating political tensions, Jimmy Lai launched an English-language edition of Apple Daily. Same year, the English edition published a report alleging problematic ties between Hunter Biden and the Chinese Communist Party, which was later questioned for credibility.
January 6, 2021: Capitol Attack
The Hunter Biden report was said to be instrumental to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
February 2021: Arrested for Aiding Escape Attempt
On February 16, 2021, Jimmy Lai was arrested while in prison for aiding activist Andy Li's attempt to escape to Taiwan with eleven others in August 2020.
February 2021: Bail Denied by Top Court
On February 9, 2021, Hong Kong's top court denied Jimmy Lai's bail. A new bail application by Lai was rejected on February 19.
April 2021: Adjournment of Fraud Case
In April 2021, Jimmy Lai's fraud case, related to lease terms for Next Digital office space, was adjourned after his December 2020 arrest. He remained denied bail.
April 2021: Sentence Being Served
In December 2021, Jimmy Lai was serving a sentence from April 2021 when he was convicted for his role in the banned Tiananmen candlelight vigil.
April 2021: Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Assembly
On April 1, 2021, Jimmy Lai was convicted on a separate case over "unlawful assembly" during the 2019 protests along with six other activists and politicians. On April 16, 2021, he was sentenced to 14 months in prison for the unauthorised assembly charge.
May 2021: Assets Frozen and Additional Imprisonment
In May 2021, the Hong Kong government froze all of Jimmy Lai's assets. On May 28, 2021, he was sentenced to an additional 14 months' imprisonment over his role in an unauthorised assembly in 2019, bringing his total prison sentence to 20 months.
June 2021: 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: Conviction for Tiananmen Vigil Role
On December 9, 2021, while serving his April 2021 sentence, Jimmy Lai and two others were convicted for their roles in the banned Tiananmen candlelight vigil in Hong Kong. On December 13, 2021, Lai was sentenced to an additional 13 months' imprisonment over his role in the banned vigil.
2021: Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award
In 2021, Jimmy Lai received the Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists.
April 2022: Nobel Peace Prize Nomination
In April 2022, Jimmy Lai was among five Hong Kong citizens nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for "putting his freedom on the line."
April 2022: Nomination for Nobel Peace Prize
In April 2022, Jimmy Lai was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize along with four other Hong Kong citizens for "putting his freedom on the line".
May 2022: Awarded Honorary Degree
In May 2022, Jimmy Lai received an honorary degree from the Catholic University of America in recognition of his faith and commitment to fighting for democracy in Hong Kong. His son, Sebastien, accepted the award on his behalf due to his imprisonment.
August 2022: Pled Not-Guilty to Collusion Charges
On August 22, 2022, Jimmy Lai pled not-guilty to the charges related to "collusion with foreign forces."
November 2022: Attempt to Disallow UK Lawyer
In November 2022, Paul Lam and the Department of Justice appealed to the court system, in an attempt to disallow Jimmy Lai from using a UK lawyer, Tim Owen.
December 2022: 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, over the fraud case.
2022: Release of "The Hong Konger" Documentary
In 2022, the Acton Institute released a documentary about Jimmy Lai's political activism called "The Hong Konger." The film discusses COVID-19's use as a pretext for banning protesters and highlights the unity between younger and older generations in Hong Kong. It also criticizes corporate investment in China and its human-rights violations.
December 2023: U.S. and UK Call for Lai's Release
In December 2023, The U.S. State Department called for Jimmy Lai's release shortly before his trial. British foreign secretary David Cameron also called for Lai's release, calling the charges politically motivated.
August 2024: Rejection of Appeals and Imprisonment
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. Lai's sentence was not suspended. He remained in prison pending other charges related to national security.
September 2024: Complaint to UN Special Rapporteur on Torture
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. The complaint alleged that Lai receives inadequate outdoor exercise and sunlight exposure in prison, has experienced weight loss and isn't receiving adequate diabetes treatment, and has been denied Holy Communion.
September 2024: Statement from Robertsons Law Firm
On September 27, 2024, Robertsons, the Hong Kong law firm representing Jimmy Lai, issued a statement clarifying that Lai is receiving appropriate treatment in prison. They stated that he has access to sunlight and about one hour of exercise daily, and can receive Holy Communion through special arrangements.
October 2024: Trump Vows to Address Lai's Imprisonment
In October 2024, president-elect Donald Trump, during an interview, said he would speak to CCP general secretary Xi Jinping about getting Jimmy Lai out of prison, stating that it would be "so easy" to free Lai.
November 2024: Lai's Testimony and Threats to Attorneys
During his testimony in November 2024, Jimmy Lai said he might have asked U.S. officials to sanction Beijing and Hong Kong. He has also distanced himself from the international lobbying group "Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong". Lai's attorneys have been targeted by phishing attempts, rape threats, and death threats.
2024: Recipient of "Freedom of the Media" Award
In 2024, Jimmy Lai was awarded the "Freedom of the Media" award by the Transatlantic Leadership Network based in Washington D.C.
September 2025: Imprisonment in Solitary Confinement
As of September 2025, Jimmy Lai remains imprisoned in solitary confinement at Hong Kong's Stanley Prison at his own request. He considers his imprisonment "the summit of his own life".
December 2025: Guilty Verdict in National Security Trial
On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong's High Court found Jimmy Lai Chee-ying guilty of collusion and sedition in his national security trial. The judge stated that Lai conspired with others, including Apple Daily staff, to undermine national security.
February 2026: Sentenced to Prison
Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison on February 9, 2026, following his guilty verdict in December 2025 in his national security trial.
February 2026: Fraud Conviction Overturned
On 26 February 2026, the Hong Kong Court of Appeal overturned Jimmy Lai's conviction for fraud in the subletting of office space.
2026: Health Issues During Custody
Prior to his conviction in 2026, during custody for over five years, Jimmy Lai suffered health issues including heart palpitations, high blood pressure and diabetes. The government claimed he had volunteered for solitary confinement.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Nancy Pelosi is a prominent American politician notably serving as...
Joe Biden served as the th President of the United...
NBC News is the news division of NBC operating under...
John Bolton is an American attorney diplomat and political commentator...
Michael Richard Pence is an American politician and lawyer He...
Trending
28 days ago MongoDB's Q1 Fiscal 2027: Financial Results, Share Jump, and Price Target Raised
1 year ago Ariana Grande mourns the loss of her grandmother Marjorie 'Nonna' Grande at 99.
3 months ago Trump Considers Seizing Iranian Oil and Kharg Island; Pentagon Prepares Ground Ops.
2 months ago Real Madrid faces boardroom turmoil, denies sporting director rumors, soul searching at Bernabéu.
4 months ago Israeli Airstrike on Beirut Hotel Kills Four Amid Rising Tensions in Lebanon
11 months ago Earth's Faster Spin: Timekeepers Consider Changes as July 22 Becomes a Shorter Day
Popular
Cristiano Ronaldo widely considered one of the greatest footballers captains...
Peter Thiel is a German-American entrepreneur venture capitalist and conservative...
Buc-ee's is an American chain of large country stores gas...
Barack Obama the th U S President - was the...
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
Sir Keir Starmer is a British politician and lawyer currently...