EDITORIAL. The 20-year prison sentence handed down to the pro-democracy activist and former media tycoon is the latest sign of the ruthless crackdown under the authority of Xi Jinping, marking the end of the freedom that once set the former British colony apart.

Pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai was found guilty by a Hong Kong court of sedition and collusion with foreign forces.

The media tycoon, who was first arrested in 2020, could face life in prison in blow for press freedom following conviction in December