US President Donald Trump has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider the release of Jimmy Lai, a leading Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon, who was convicted under the National Security Law in a trial seen as a reflection of Hong Kong’s decreasing freedoms under Beijing’s control.
“I feel deeply,” Trump told reporters. “I spoke to President Xi about it and asked him to consider releasing Jimmy Lai.”
The UK has similarly demanded the immediate release of the 78-year-old, with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper denouncing the court ruling as “politically motivated persecution”.
Lai, a British citizen, has been jailed since December 2020 and faces life imprisonment after his conviction under Hong Kong’s controversial National Security Law. He is expected to be sentenced in early 2023.
Trump’s comments were made at the White House on Monday, though he did not provide details about when he had raised the issue with President Xi. “He’s an older man, and he’s in poor health,” Trump said, adding, “I did put the request out. Let’s see what happens.”
This statement followed the recent guilty verdict delivered by a Hong Kong court, where Lai was convicted of colluding with foreign forces. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee defended the ruling, claiming that Lai’s actions had damaged the country’s interests and the welfare of Hong Kong residents. However, rights organizations have criticized the decision as a “judicial farce” designed to silence dissent.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called for Lai’s immediate release, stating that his freedom of expression was being targeted by Hong Kong and Chinese authorities. She added that the UK Foreign Office had summoned the Chinese Ambassador to express its position.
In response, China’s foreign ministry rejected criticism of Lai’s trial, describing it as “brazen defamation” against the Hong Kong judicial system.
Lai’s conviction came under the National Security Law, a law imposed by China to suppress pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong. Rights groups have criticized the law for curbing freedoms, while Beijing maintains it is essential for the city’s stability. Lai was also convicted under a colonial-era law for publishing seditious material in his now-closed Apple Daily newspaper.
Lai’s case has sparked international outcry, with both human rights groups and foreign leaders calling for his release. Lai’s family has raised concerns over his health, with his son Sebastien Lai warning that his father’s age and health problems could lead to his death in prison.
Adapted from BBC News
