Sentencing of Jimmy Lai draws attention locally and internationally

There were reactions on Jimmy Lai's sentence both locally and from abroad.

Hundreds gathered outside the court this morning, waiting for news on the sentencing of the 78-year-old former media mogul.

Lai's wife Teresa, and Joseph Zen, retired cardinal of the Catholic Church left the court without speaking to the press.

In a statement issued by Lai's children, Sebastien Lai described the ruling as "devastating" for their family, while Claire Lai called it a "heartbreakingly cruel sentence".

A number of representatives from different consulates arrived before 9 a.m., including those from the European Union, the United States, and the UK.

BRIAN DAVIDSON, UK Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao said, "What we are looking far is a positive resolution in due course."

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper issued a statement, calling for an end to Lai's ordeal.

The European Union also reiterated its call for the release of the 78-year-old, in consideration of his advanced age and health condition.

Meanwhile, the National Security Department of the force welcomed the court's imposition of a hefty sentence on Lai.

LI KWAI WAH, Chief Superintendent of the National Security Department said, "Obviously, he has done nothing good for Hong Kong that could serve as a basis for his mitigations. Personally I think that the sentence is awarded to the defendants. I think it's appropriate at this level from my point of view but I have to discuss that with my colleagues in the Department of Justice to say whether we needed to appeal for the sentences."

When asked if the 78-year-old would die in custody, Li remarked that "only God knows," noting that he had received appropriate medical treatments, and his solitary confinement was based on his own application to the Correctional Services Department.

Chief Executive John Lee said the severe sentence on Lai brought great relief to all, describing what Lai did as heinous and evil beyond measure.

The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council welcomed the hefty sentence, warning that anyone attempts to challenge the law will be heavily punished.

Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong stated that the 20-year sentence fully demonstrates judicial fairness.

Ronny Tong, a member of the Executive Council believes the sentencing was reasonable, considering that Lai was an influential figure.

He said, "Not only that he's a tycoon, but he also is the controller of a relatively popular newspaper and a media empire. He also has a personal relationship with some high-ranking officials and politicians in the United States. If you use that power to persuade other political power in the world to impose sanction on China and Hong Kong. It would cause tremendous harm to national and local interest."