HK court finds Jimmy Lai guilty of sedition, foreign collusion

He was accused of masterminding 2 conspiracies, publishing materials that 'excited disaffection' against the govt

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Prosecutors said Lai was the mastermind behind two conspiracies to take action against Hong Kong or China, and accused him of publishing materials they said "excited disaffection" against the government.

The 78-year-old, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, faces up to life in prison when sentenced. He can appeal against the convictions.

"There is no doubt that (Lai) had harboured his resentment and hatred of the PRC for many of his adult years," Judge Esther Toh told the court, referring to the People's Republic of China.

She said he had invited the US "to help bring down" the Chinese government, "with the excuse of helping the people of HK".

Lai is a British citizen, and the British government condemned his "politically motivated prosecution" in a statement on Dec 15 that called for his release.

Lai, wearing a light green cardigan and grey jacket, listened impassively as the verdicts were read out.

He nodded to his wife Teresa and his son Lai Shun-yan in the public gallery as he left the court.

Defence lawyer Robert Pang told reporters that Lai was "in fine spirits" and that they would need to read the 886-page verdict before deciding on their next steps.

US, European Union and French consular representatives were in court, as well as veterans from Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp, including Cardinal Joseph Zen and former legislator Emily Lau.