On the 15th, Hong Kong Next Media founder Jimmy Lai was sentenced for violating the Hong Kong National Security Law, with the court finding all three charges, including "conspiring to collude with foreign forces," to be established. The European Union stated that this verdict symbolizes the erosion of democracy and freedoms in Hong Kong, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai.
According to Central News Agency, in response to the conviction of Jimmy Lai, the European Union External Action Service (EEAS) issued a statement expressing deep regret on the same day.
The EU stated that this case is politically motivated and symbolizes the erosion of democracy and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong since the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020; the EU reiterated the need for Jimmy Lai’s immediate and unconditional release.
The EU said that as an international commercial hub, Hong Kong’s historical success has been rooted in the rule of law. The national security trial against Jimmy Lai has further weakened external confidence in Hong Kong’s legal system, which is the very foundation of the special administrative region’s attractiveness.
The EU recalled that the "Apple Daily," founded by Jimmy Lai, was forced to cease operations in June 2021, and that free and independent media is crucial for building a resilient society and ensuring government accountability.
The EU once again urged China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to fulfill their international legal commitments and safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms, as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.