Hong Kong leader says Jimmy Lai's jail term upholds rule of law

Jimmy Lai has been convicted on charges linked to collusion with foreign forces

Media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, leaves the Court of Final Appeal by prison van in Hong Kong, China Feb 9, 2021. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo/File Photo

A 20-year jail term for China critic and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai was "deeply gratifying" and upholds Hong Kong's rule of law, the city's leader, John Lee, said on Monday.

The comments came in a statement after Lai was sentenced to 20 years in jail on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one of publishing seditious materials.