Politicians around the world demand release of jailed Lai

Hong Kong activist is facing a life sentence on sham’ charges

- ALEXANDER BUTLER

More than 100 MPs and politicians from around the world have demanded the release of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai from prison in Hong Kong ahead of the resumption of his trial on charges widely denounced as a sham.

MPs from countries including the UK, Australia, Canada, Ukraine and elsewhere have signed a letter calling for the “immediate and unconditional release” of Mr Lai, who is a British citizen.

The 76-year-old has been in jail since 2020, having faced charges over his involvement in pro-democracy protests in 2019, and fraud. He now faces a life sentence under China’s national security law on charges of sedition and collusion with foreign forces over articles in the Apple Daily newspaper he founded.

Mr Lai’s son, Sebastien, told The Independent in October that the family are seriously concerned about his health. “My father will die in jail... This is an issue about saving his life,” Sebastien said. Mr Lai was seen shivering in court and showed “significant loss of weight and increasing frailty” at his latest hearings, according to his international legal team.