UK denounces Jimmy Lai prosecution, urges for immediate release
In an official statement, the British foreign secretary said the UK condemns the “politically motivated” prosecution of Jimmy Lai, accusing both the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities of “targeting” him for “peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression.”
She argued that “Beijing’s National Security Law was imposed on Hong Kong to silence China’s critics,” and reiterated that Britain has repeatedly demanded the repeal of the law and an end to prosecutions carried out under its provisions.
“We continue to call for Mr Lai’s immediate release, for all necessary treatment and for full access to independent medical professionals,” she added.
Lai, a 78-year-old publisher who also holds British citizenship, was convicted on Monday on all charges brought against him, including “conspiring to collude with foreign forces” and sedition under legislation dating back to the colonial era. He now faces the possibility of a life sentence, with sentencing mitigation hearings scheduled to begin in mid-January, according to reports.
The media mogul was first detained in 2020 following the introduction of the National Security Law, which was enacted in the aftermath of large-scale anti-government protests that erupted in Hong Kong the year before.
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