Hong Kong: The sentencing on Monday of Hong Kong’s onetime media magnate Jimmy Lai raised concerns from international governments and rights groups. Chinese and Hong Kong authorities defended it, saying it reflected the spirit of the rule of law.
Lai, a 78-year-old prominent democracy advocate, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty in December of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiring with others to publish seditious articles. His co-defendants, who entered guilty pleas to the collusion-related charge, received prison terms ranging between six years and three months and 10 years.
Some foreign governments and rights groups condemned the sentencing and called for the release of Lai, a British citizen. But China’s Foreign Ministry maintained that Lai is a Chinese citizen, and urged other countries to respect its sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, deplored the sentence, saying Lai was punished for “exercising rights protected under international law” and that the sentence must be quashed.
The EU reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Lai, citing his advanced age and health condition.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said her country’s government is gravely concerned by the sentences handed down to Lai and his co-defendants, saying its thoughts are with their family members and supporters at this difficult time.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Lai was sentenced for exercising his right to freedom of expression after a “politically motivated prosecution.”
In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a daily briefing that Lai is a Chinese citizen, calling him a major planner and participant in a series of anti-China destabilising activities in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong leader John Lee said Lai’s crimes are heinous and that he had used Apple Daily to “poison” residents and incite hatred. He said Lai deserved the sentence because he openly asked for foreign sanctions against China as well as Hong Kong, and harmed their interests.
Taiwan’s mainland affairs council condemned the Chinese and Hong Kong governments for suppressing human rights in the name of national security, urging for Lai’s release.
Reporters Without Borders’ Director General Thibaut Bruttin said the court decision underscores the complete collapse of press freedom in Hong Kong and the authorities’ contempt for independent journalism.
“We have already witnessed press freedom defender Liu Xiaobo die in prison due to insufficient international pressure. We cannot allow Jimmy Lai to suffer a similar fate,” he said.
