Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old pro-democracy campaigner and founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, was sentenced to 20 years in jail last month. This sentence is the heaviest penalty ever handed out under Hong Kong's national security law. He was found guilty in December of two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material.
Jimmy Lai has denied all wrongdoing. ' The reasons behind this decision not to appeal have not been disclosed. Lai's son, Sebastien Lai, has alleged that the trial was politically motivated.
We can confirm we have clear and definitive instructions not to lodge an appeal against conviction or sentence.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed this sentiment, stating, 'For 78-year-old Jimmy Lai, 20 years is an effective life sentence, following a politically motivated prosecution under a law that was imposed to silence China's critics. ' Sebastien Lai also claimed that the sentence is essentially a life sentence. Volker Turk, the UN Rights Chief, said the verdict is incompatible with international law and needs to be promptly quashed.
Specific details about Lai's health conditions or detention that prompted humanitarian appeals remain unknown. International figures have intervened in the case. According to major media reports, Jimmy Lai is a British citizen.
I feel so badly. I spoke to President Xi about it and I asked to consider releasing Lai.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raised the issue of Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing in late January. Major media reports indicate that Starmer came under mounting pressure from rights groups to push for Jimmy Lai's release. Sebastien Lai accused Keir Starmer of not doing enough to secure Jimmy Lai's release.
Senior Labour Minister Steve Reed commented on the diplomatic efforts, claiming there is some hope of Jimmy Lai's release due to dialogue with China, whereas refusal to talk would mean zero chance. The exact content of discussions between Starmer and Xi regarding Lai has not been made public. In December, US President Donald Trump asked President Xi Jinping to consider releasing Jimmy Lai.
Trump stated, 'I feel so badly. ' Whether there are any ongoing diplomatic efforts or plans to secure Lai's release beyond this initial dialogue is unclear. The case continues to highlight tensions over Hong Kong's legal framework and international human rights concerns.