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The son of Hong Kong media magnate Jimmy Lai has described his father’s 20-year prison sentence handed down by Chinese authorities as effectively a “death sentence.” Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old British citizen, was sentenced on Monday after being convicted of national security offences in December, making it the most severe punishment imposed under Hong Kong’s contentious national security law since its enactment in 2020.
Sebastien Lai expressed to the BBC his belief that his father is being targeted for his defense of Hong Kong’s freedoms. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sebastien emphasized that his father deserved far more recognition and compassion, saying, “Surely a man who has given so much for liberty, for freedom deserves a bit of it himself.” The UK government has also responded, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announcing plans to engage quickly with Beijing over Jimmy Lai’s release. Cooper urged Hong Kong authorities to end “this appalling ordeal” and free Lai on humanitarian grounds so that he can reunite with his family, adding, “We stand with the people of Hong Kong.”
A figure revered by the pro-democracy movement but viewed as a traitor by Beijing, Jimmy Lai was convicted of foreign collusion and publishing seditious material under the national security law. A court ruled that his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper was part of a broader campaign to encourage foreign governments to impose sanctions against Hong Kong and China. Having spent the past five years held in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison, Lai’s health has markedly deteriorated, in his son’s view, due to conditions including a significant weight loss and pre-existing heart problems. Sebastien warned, “Given his health, given that he has heart issues, given that he’s lost 10kg over the last year alone, that’s basically a death sentence.”
Efforts by UK officials to address Lai’s situation have included Prime Minister Keir Starmer raising the matter with Chinese leaders during a recent visit to Beijing. Starmer stressed that engagement with China is aimed not only at exploring economic opportunities but also at having candid discussions about areas of disagreement. Former Prime Minister David Cameron also publicly called for Lai’s release, condemning the imprisonment as “an affront to freedom of speech,” and reminding China that “the world is watching.” Meanwhile, diplomatic talks resulted in agreements such as lowering import tariffs on UK whisky from 10% to 5%, reflecting the UK’s desire to strengthen trade relations with Beijing. Sebastien Lai pointed out that releasing his father could serve as a straightforward step toward warming ties between Hong Kong, China, and the UK, stating, “Isn’t putting a 78-year-old man on a plane and sending him back here a very easy way for Hong Kong and China to do that?” Despite international pressure, China insists its actions regarding Lai’s case remain “reasonable, legitimate and legal” with no room for negotiation on the matter
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