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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