Hong Kong court holds sentencing hearings for media tycoon Jimmy Lai

Hong Kong courts are holding hearings to determine the sentence for Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. Lai was previously convicted on national security charges.

These are mitigation hearings, where his lawyers present arguments for a lighter sentence, while prosecutors argue for a life term. Reports also note his health is a focus during the proceedings.

The case is seen as part of a broader shift in Hong Kong, where observers say press freedom has declined and self-censorship has increased since the imposition of a national security law.