HongKong – US and UK Demand Jimmy Lai Release

HongKong – The United States and the United Kingdom have voiced strong concern over the sentencing of Hong Kong media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai, urging authorities to consider his release on humanitarian grounds.

The reaction followed a court decision that handed the 78-year-old publisher a 20-year prison term under Hong Kong’s national security framework. The ruling has drawn attention from Western governments, who argue that the case raises broader questions about civil liberties and press freedom in the city.

Washington Calls Sentence Unjust

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the outcome as both tragic and unfair. In a message shared on social media platform X, Rubio said the judgment marked a troubling end to a high-profile case that has been closely followed internationally.

He urged Hong Kong authorities to grant Lai humanitarian parole, emphasizing concerns about the elderly publisher’s health and wellbeing. Washington has repeatedly criticized the application of the national security law in Hong Kong, arguing that it has been used to curb dissent and restrict free expression.

The US government has maintained that safeguarding fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press, remains central to its foreign policy discussions concerning Hong Kong.

London Raises Case at Highest Level

In London, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also condemned the sentence, stating that Lai’s prosecution was politically driven. She said the British government had consistently advocated for his rights and would continue to do so.

Cooper revealed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent visit to China. According to her statement, the conversation allowed British officials to express their most pressing concerns directly to Beijing at the highest diplomatic level.

Lai, who holds British nationality, was convicted on two national security-related charges along with a sedition offense in December. British officials argue that his actions fell within the scope of free speech and media activity rather than criminal conduct.

Cooper also reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the treaty that governed Hong Kong’s transfer of sovereignty in 1997. She called on China to uphold its obligations under that agreement, emphasizing that the UK would continue to stand by the people of Hong Kong.

Health and Humanitarian Concerns

The length of the sentence has intensified concerns in both Washington and London, particularly given Lai’s age. At 78, a 20-year prison term effectively amounts to a life sentence, British officials said, noting that his eligibility for parole would not arise until very late in life.

Both governments have framed their appeals primarily around humanitarian considerations. They argue that Lai should be allowed to reunite with his family and receive appropriate care, rather than remain incarcerated for what they describe as the exercise of fundamental rights.

International human rights groups have also monitored the case closely, viewing it as a test of how the national security law is implemented in Hong Kong.

Beijing’s National Security Law Under Scrutiny

The national security law, introduced by Beijing in 2020, has significantly reshaped Hong Kong’s legal and political landscape. Authorities say the legislation was necessary to restore stability after months of unrest, while critics contend it has narrowed space for political opposition and independent media.

According to media reports, Lai’s sentence is the longest imposed so far under the law. The severity of the penalty has amplified debate over its application and impact on the territory’s autonomy.

Hong Kong officials have consistently maintained that the courts operate independently and that all prosecutions are based on evidence and in accordance with the law. They reject claims that the legislation is used to silence critics.

As diplomatic engagement continues, the case of Jimmy Lai remains a focal point in broader discussions about human rights, freedom of expression, and the future of Hong Kong’s legal system.