🔗 Share this article The United Kingdom, United Nations, and European Union Decry an ‘Egregious Wrong’ of Publisher Jimmy Lai’s Two-Decade Prison Term. The judicial ruling of political dissident , a UK passport holder Jimmy Lai to two decades behind bars in Hong Kong has elicited global rebuke. Rights groups and international powers have called the security-related charges influenced by political considerations. Widespread Disapproval and Demands for Freedom UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper remarked that the two-decade sentence constitutes a prison term lasting the rest of his natural life. She characterized the legal case as having political underpinnings pursuant to legislation aimed at quieting Beijing's detractors. She urged Hong Kong's authorities to terminate his suffering and allow his return to his family. “This outcome demonstrates how the ambiguous and wide-ranging stipulations of Hong Kong’s national security legislation are subject to interpretation in contravention of universal rights standards,” said the UN rights chief Volker Türk. A representative for the European Union, Anitta Hipper, remarked that Brussels “condemns” the result of the lengthy trial and pushed for his swift liberation without preconditions. Background of the Case Jimmy Lai, the creator behind the now-shuttered Apple Daily tabloid, was taken into custody four years ago the imposition of a controversial national security law in Hong Kong. The law was passed by China's government in the wake of extended demonstrations backed by Lai's media outlet. He was sentenced on counts of colluding to publish subversive content and plotting to collaborate with external actors. The latter charges were pursuant to the national security statute. Family Concerns Lai’s son, Sebastien, shared that his father is afraid of passing away in isolation separated from his loved ones. His international counsel labeled him the “planet's most prominent detainee” in custody today. Sebastien Lai commented that while the verdict was anticipated, its confirmation was more painful than imagined, even as it offered some “relief” that the legal proceedings had concluded. Diplomatic Fallout The sentencing has cast a shadow over UK-China relations. The UK's head of government Keir Starmer claimed to have mentioned Lai’s case in a conversation with President Xi Jinping earlier this year. Yet, the extent of progress on obtaining his liberty is not known. Sebastien Lai asked the point of enhanced diplomatic ties announced recently, saying it felt “rather incongruous.” Authorities' Statements In contrast, the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities welcomed the court's decision. Hong Kong’s leader John Lee stated the verdict showed that “law and order is maintained.” An official representing China’s foreign ministry, Lin Jian, called Lai the “chief architect” behind previous protests and asserted the prosecution was “justified and legal.” He advised international actors to refrain from intervention in China’s internal affairs. A Representative Verdict Press rights groups labeled Lai as a icon for diminishing media freedom in Hong Kong. Reporters Without Borders' director general said it was a “bleak moment for those who care about a liberty of the press.” Boasting a close to 100% rate of guilty verdicts on charges under the security law, Lai’s lengthy term is seen as the strictest yet imposed under the security statute.
The judicial ruling of political dissident , a UK passport holder Jimmy Lai to two decades behind bars in Hong Kong has elicited global rebuke. Rights groups and international powers have called the security-related charges influenced by political considerations. Widespread Disapproval and Demands for Freedom UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper remarked that the two-decade sentence constitutes a prison term lasting the rest of his natural life. She characterized the legal case as having political underpinnings pursuant to legislation aimed at quieting Beijing's detractors. She urged Hong Kong's authorities to terminate his suffering and allow his return to his family. “This outcome demonstrates how the ambiguous and wide-ranging stipulations of Hong Kong’s national security legislation are subject to interpretation in contravention of universal rights standards,” said the UN rights chief Volker Türk. A representative for the European Union, Anitta Hipper, remarked that Brussels “condemns” the result of the lengthy trial and pushed for his swift liberation without preconditions. Background of the Case Jimmy Lai, the creator behind the now-shuttered Apple Daily tabloid, was taken into custody four years ago the imposition of a controversial national security law in Hong Kong. The law was passed by China's government in the wake of extended demonstrations backed by Lai's media outlet. He was sentenced on counts of colluding to publish subversive content and plotting to collaborate with external actors. The latter charges were pursuant to the national security statute. Family Concerns Lai’s son, Sebastien, shared that his father is afraid of passing away in isolation separated from his loved ones. His international counsel labeled him the “planet's most prominent detainee” in custody today. Sebastien Lai commented that while the verdict was anticipated, its confirmation was more painful than imagined, even as it offered some “relief” that the legal proceedings had concluded. Diplomatic Fallout The sentencing has cast a shadow over UK-China relations. The UK's head of government Keir Starmer claimed to have mentioned Lai’s case in a conversation with President Xi Jinping earlier this year. Yet, the extent of progress on obtaining his liberty is not known. Sebastien Lai asked the point of enhanced diplomatic ties announced recently, saying it felt “rather incongruous.” Authorities' Statements In contrast, the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities welcomed the court's decision. Hong Kong’s leader John Lee stated the verdict showed that “law and order is maintained.” An official representing China’s foreign ministry, Lin Jian, called Lai the “chief architect” behind previous protests and asserted the prosecution was “justified and legal.” He advised international actors to refrain from intervention in China’s internal affairs. A Representative Verdict Press rights groups labeled Lai as a icon for diminishing media freedom in Hong Kong. Reporters Without Borders' director general said it was a “bleak moment for those who care about a liberty of the press.” Boasting a close to 100% rate of guilty verdicts on charges under the security law, Lai’s lengthy term is seen as the strictest yet imposed under the security statute.