Jimmy Lai, founder of Hong Kong's Next Digital Media Group, has been heavily sentenced to 20 years in prison. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated that this demonstrates Beijing's willingness to suppress those advocating for fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong at any cost, in violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and hopes the authorities will grant him humanitarian parole.
Jimmy Lai, along with nine others and three former Apple Daily companies, were previously found guilty of violating the National Security Law. The Hong Kong High Court handed down sentences on the morning of the 9th, with Jimmy Lai receiving a particularly heavy sentence of 20 years.
Rubio issued a statement on the 9th, U.S. Eastern Time, saying this action reveals to the world that Beijing is willing to break its international commitments under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration in order to suppress advocates for basic freedoms in Hong Kong.
He emphasized that after two years of trial and more than five years of detention, Jimmy Lai and his family have endured deep suffering. The U.S. urges the relevant parties to allow Jimmy Lai parole on humanitarian grounds.
Jimmy Lai’s Son Urges UK Government to Take Proactive Action
Additionally, Jimmy Lai’s son, Sebastian Lai, called on the UK government to actively seek Jimmy Lai’s release. He also criticized UK Prime Minister Starmer for not prioritizing the case as the UK resumes relations with China.
78-year-old Jimmy Lai is a British citizen and previously told the court that he considers himself a 'political prisoner.'
Sebastian Lai said: 'I hope the Prime Minister could do more. We are not making excessive demands; this would not be difficult for them.'
'Such a harsh sentence for my father is a heavy blow to our family and poses a threat to my father's life.' He said this represents the destruction of Hong Kong's legal system and the end of justice.