‘Travesty of justice’: anger over tycoon Lai’s conviction

Britain, New Zealand and Taiwan condemn the ‘politically motivated’ prosecution of UK citizen in Hong Kong

- SHWETA SHARMA

British tycoon Jimmy Lai’s conviction in Hong Kong sparked international condemnation yesterday, as it was criticised as a “disgraceful act of persecution”.

The 78-year-old founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily paper was found guilty of sedition yesterday after a marathon trial that was regarded abroad as a test of sweeping political changes in the former British colony.

The UK government called the verdict “politically motivated” and said it would continue to call for Mr Lai’s release. He is due to be sentenced early next week, while Sir Keir Starmer is expected to visit Beijing just a few weeks later.

Mr Lai was found guilty on two counts of “conspiracy to collude with foreign forces” under the city’s draconian new national security laws, as well as one count of “sedition” based on statutes dating back to colonial times. It concludes a five-year trial process that was watched closely by foreign powers and rights groups alike.

Hong Kong chief executive John Lee welcomed Mr Lai’s conviction, saying his actions had “damaged the country’s interests and the welfare of Hongkongers”. Beijing said it should send a “clear message” to the world, and warned foreign powers against “smearing” the justice system of Hong Kong in their response.