In Washington, Sebastien Lai, the son of former Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, urged for his father’s release from detention in a high-profile national security case amidst concerns over deteriorating human rights in the city. During a meeting with journalists, Sebastien Lai highlighted the harsh conditions his 77-year-old father endures in solitary confinement and emphasized his health struggles, labeling them “inhumane for anybody, any age.”
Sebastien expressed a deep-seated worry about the possibility of his father’s untimely death, revealing that his father is beginning his fifth year in imprisonment. This case, which has captured international attention, is perceived as evidence of the declining state of press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong.
Jimmy Lai, a prominent critic of Beijing and founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, faces allegations of colluding with foreign entities to undermine national security, a charge that might lead to a life sentence, along with accusations of conspiring to circulate seditious materials. Despite entering not guilty pleas to all charges, he has already received more than seven years of combined sentences from multiple convictions related to fraud and unauthorized assemblies.
The elder Lai’s arrest came in 2020 following extensive government crackdowns after widespread protests in Hong Kong. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong claim that a stringent national security law has reinstated stability after the unrest.
Being held in stark solitary confinement devoid of natural light for over 1,500 days, Hong Kong’s administration has stated that Jimmy Lai’s separation was at his own behest and sanctioned by prison officials. His son disagrees, calling the situation “completely insane” and “disgusting,” while insisting on his release.
Calls for Jimmy Lai’s freedom have emanated from the U.S. and U.K. governments and U.N. human rights experts. Within the United States, there is bipartisan support for his case, with former President Donald Trump pledging his commitment to securing Lai’s release during his campaign, saying, “One-hundred percent. I’ll get him out.”
In response to Trump’s remarks, Hong Kong’s leader John Lee expressed that the U.S. should refrain from meddling in the city’s judicial matters. Meanwhile, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson labeled Lai as a key figure in fostering anti-China sentiments and an instrument of anti-China interests.
Sebastien Lai, along with his father’s international legal advisers, is in Washington to engage with congress members and advocates close to Trump, hopeful that attention from high-level U.S. officials can effectuate a resolution. Sebastien highlighted Trump’s unique support, noting, “President Trump was the first U.S. president that mentioned my father by name. It is looking more hopeful now.”
