Hong Kong leader commends lengthy jail sentence for pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai

Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy media tycoon, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee. The sentence was handed down on Monday alongside eight other defendants, including six former Apple Daily employees.

Lai was found guilty of two counts of colluding with foreign forces and one count of sedition for his support of the protests and alleged lobbying of the US to sanction Hong Kong leaders following a crackdown on the protests.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have called for Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds due to his age and health. “For the 78-year-old, this is tantamount to a life sentence,” Cooper said. “I remain deeply concerned for Mr Lai’s health, and I again call on the Hong Kong authorities to end his appalling ordeal and release him on humanitarian grounds.”

Lai’s son Sebastian stated that a 20-year prison term was equivalent to a “death sentence” given his father’s age and deteriorating health.

The Hong Kong government has defended the sentence, stating that it upholds the rule of law and justice. The UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk described the verdict as “unjust” and called for its quashing due to compatibility with international law.

China has maintained that national security laws are necessary to safeguard Hong Kong, despite global criticism. The country’s State Council referred to Lai’s trial in a recent report on Hong Kong’s national security situation.

Lai is a dual UK and Hong Kong citizen who was known as a longtime critic of China’s Communist Party and a strong supporter of the pro-democracy movement before his arrest.

Source: Al Jazeera