UK, UN, and EU slam the "monumental injustice."

The global community has erupted in condemnation over the 20-year jail sentence handed to pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong. At 78, this harsh sentence is essentially a life term for Lai, a staunch critic of the Chinese government and founder of the Hong Kong newspaper, Apple Daily.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed outrage, calling Lai's prosecution politically motivated. "For 78-year-old Jimmy Lai, 20 years is an effective life sentence," she stated, urging Hong Kong to end Lai’s ordeal and free him.

Sebastien Lai, Jimmy's son, voiced fears of his father dying alone, while the legal team declared Lai the world’s highest profile political prisoner. The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, also decried the verdict as contrary to international law, calling for its reversal.

Lai's sentence is the harshest under Hong Kong’s national security law, introduced by Beijing in response to pro-democracy protests. Critics argue the law suppresses dissent, while Beijing claims it's necessary for stability.

The EU joined the chorus of criticism, with spokesperson Anitta Hipper demanding Lai’s immediate release. "This outcome highlights the breadth of Hong Kong’s vague security law," she noted.

Since his 2020 arrest, Lai faced accusations of colluding with foreign forces. His son Sebastien revealed the sentence brought unexpected relief, marking the end of a “farce.”

In recent discussions with China’s President Xi Jinping, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed Lai’s case. However, tangible progress remains unclear. The UK’s visa scheme expansion for Hongkongers juxtaposes Lai’s imprisonment, highlighting tense UK-China relations.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Chinese authorities defend the verdict. John Lee, Hong Kong’s chief executive, claimed Lai committed "heinous crimes," asserting justice was served. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson labeled Lai the "mastermind" of past unrest, defending the prosecution’s legitimacy.

Lai’s conviction underscores the high-stakes battle over media freedom and democracy in Hong Kong. As international pressure mounts, the focus remains on Beijing’s response and the potential impact on global diplomatic relations.

Key Takeaways:

• Worldwide outcry over Jimmy Lai's sentence.

• UK and global entities call for his release.

• Hong Kong authorities defend their actions.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2026-02.09

 

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1 hour ago, ASEAN NOW News said:

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed outrage

Coming from a Labour government that frequently jails people for tweets (but only if they are right wing).

Laughable.

"UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed outrage,"

I don't think expressing outrage will do anything, maybe a few sanctions on Chinese goods would do more?

Ready to understand why certain Western countries want to emulate China's strong leadership, without being painted as communist. Authoritarianism is the new democracy.

This is what happens in a true "dictatorship".

Since when did China listen to the UK

We are nothing in the World of politics anymore no influence

11 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Ready to understand why certain Western countries want to emulate China's strong leadership, without being painted as communist. Authoritarianism is the new democracy.

Freedom by restricting freedom.

None of US, UK, UN, EU business.

Don't do the crime if you can't do the time ... paraphrased from wiki:

... "During his testimony in November 2024, Lai said he might have asked U.S. officials to sanction Beijing and Hong Kong. He has been asked to explain his meetings with then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and vice-president Mike Pence. According to Apple Daily, on a talk show hosted by former lawmaker Albert Ho, Lai said he asked the American government to sanction certain Chinese and Hong Kong politicians."

On 15 December 2025, Hong Kong's High Court found Jimmy Lai Chee-ying guilty of collusion and sedition in his national security trial. The judge said the evidence is clear that Lai conspired with others including Apple Daily staff to undermine national security. Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison on 9 February 2026." ...

Asking for sanctions against your country would definitely undermine national security.

Wiki source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Lai

14 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Coming from a Labour government that frequently jails people for tweets (but only if they are right wing).

Laughable.

Obviously this is some bot-comedy account.

13 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

"UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed outrage,"

I don't think expressing outrage will do anything, maybe a few sanctions on Chinese goods would do more?

The UK government has responded by opening up visas to allow more Hong Kongers to leave, allowing those born between 1979 and 1997 to emigrate. This has touched a nerve with Beijing who called the move "despicable and reprehensible". Lai is a British citizen, let it not be forgotten. He is not a Chinese citizen. The government is working with Lai's family, who live in the UK, on a response. Its a sensitive subject. On the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, two British judges still sit, Lord Neuberger and Lord Hoffman. There are conversations going on through back channels. More action is required but its erroneous to suggest all the Foreign Office is doing is issuing protests. There are 2.9 milion people with BNO status in Hong Kong. Its not about the fate of one man. As far as I am concerned, these BNO passport holders might as well be British. They were not party to the negotiations in the 90s between the British and Chinese governments to determine their fate. They were not consulted.

9 hours ago, Roadsternut said:

Obviously this is some bot-comedy account.

I wish it were a laughing matter.

https://www.gbnews.com/politics/lucy-connolly-charges-tweet-labour-attorney-general

16 hours ago, sscc said:

None of US, UK, UN, EU business.

He's a British citizen, so it's certainly the UK's business!

24 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

He's a British citizen, so it's certainly the UK's business!

He's Chinese pretending to be British.