A Hong Kong court has sentenced media owner Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison under national security legislation, prompting coordinated reactions from several governments and international institutions. The case has drawn diplomatic responses from the United Kingdom, the European Union and Japan, while Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have defended the judicial decision.
Court ruling and charges under national security law
Former media tycoon and China critic Jimmy Lai was sentenced by a Hong Kong court to 20 years in prison for collusion with foreign forces and incitement to rebellion through the press.
The 78-year-old, who holds British citizenship, denies the charges. During court proceedings, he stated that he is a “political prisoner” and claimed he is being persecuted by Beijing.
The sentence is the most severe imposed under the national security law introduced by China in 2020 following pro-democracy protests, some of which turned violent.
United Kingdom government position and diplomatic response
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called for Lai’s release. She stated that the United Kingdom stands with the people of Hong Kong and said further measures would be taken without delay.
European Union institutional reaction and press freedom concerns
The European External Action Service issued a statement calling for Lai’s immediate release.
The statement said the politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai and former executives and journalists of the newspaper Apple Daily, which has suspended publication, damages Hong Kong’s international reputation.
The European Union called on Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in press freedom, describing it as a pillar of the territory’s historical success as an international financial centre, and urged authorities to stop prosecuting journalists.
Japanese government statements on freedom of expression impact
The Japanese government expressed serious concern about the potential impact of Lai’s 20-year imprisonment on freedom of speech in Hong Kong.
Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara made the statement during a press briefing.
Chinese government and Hong Kong administration responses
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Lai deserved strict punishment under the law.
During a regular press briefing, spokesperson Lin Jian said Hong Kong judicial bodies fulfilled their duty and added that China’s central government firmly supports Hong Kong in safeguarding national security in accordance with the law.
China’s state news agency Xinhua described the verdict as a “strong warning” that anyone who endangers Hong Kong’s stability will face strict punishment under the law.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee described the sentence as “deeply satisfactory”.
In a statement, he said Lai’s crimes are “heinous and extremely serious” and said the 20-year prison sentence demonstrates the strength of the rule of law and supports justice.
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ