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The son of Hong Kong’s jailed democracy hero

Feb 11, 2026 •

Jimmy Lai is a media tycoon and hero of Hong Kong’s freedom movement. 

A symbol of the city’s fight for democracy and a free press – he has been silenced, handcuffed, and now sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Hong Kong court.

Seen as a traitor by Beijing, Lai has been jailed on charges of sedition and collusion with foreign forces – which he says are politically motivated.

Today, Sebastien Lai on fighting for his father’s freedom and what this case says about China’s ongoing crackdown in Hong Kong.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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The son of Hong Kong’s jailed democracy hero

1816 • Feb 11, 2026

The son of Hong Kong’s jailed democracy hero

Jimmy Lai is a media tycoon and hero of Hong Kong’s freedom movement. 

A symbol of the city’s fight for democracy and a free press – he has been silenced, handcuffed, and now sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Hong Kong court.

Seen as a traitor by Beijing, Lai has been jailed on charges of sedition and collusion with foreign forces – which he says are politically motivated.

Today, Sebastien Lai on fighting for his father’s freedom and what this case says about China’s ongoing crackdown in Hong Kong.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Guest: Sebastien Lai, son of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai

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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.

It’s made by Arielle Richards, Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Krystal Keller, Nicole Johnston, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.

Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.





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1816: The son of Hong Kong’s jailed democracy hero