Several former colleagues of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai at the Apple Daily newspaper reacted with dismay at his national security conviction, fearing Lai and other former staffers may be given a heavy sentence but saying he remains an inspiration.

Family members and friends of Jimmy Lai, a businessman and a pro-democracy newspaper owner in Hong Kong, are holding out hope that he can still be

Five years ago, my father, Jimmy Lai, was a large, robust man. Friends and family knew when they were coming over to our house for dinner that they were in for a feast. Dad loved to share the things he enjoyed, and he very much enjoyed good food. But his time behind bars in solitary confinement is taking its toll on his body.