UK condemns prosecution of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, demands his immediate release

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA)— The British foreign secretary on Monday condemned what she called the "politically motivated" prosecution of media mogul Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, urging authorities to release him immediately.

In a statement, Yvette Cooper said Britain condemned the "politically motivated" prosecution of Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, accusing the Chinese and Hong Kong governments of "targeting" him for "peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression."

"Beijing’s National Security Law was imposed on Hong Kong to silence China’s critics," she alleged, recalling that the UK has repeatedly called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

"We continue to call for Mr Lai’s immediate release, for all necessary treatment and for full access to independent medical professionals," added Cooper.

The 78-year-old media tycoon, who is also a British national, was found guilty on Monday on all three counts he was facing, including "conspiring to collude with foreign forces" as well as sedition under colonial-era legislation.

He faces a maximum life sentence, and a four-day mitigation hearing will begin on Jan. 12, according to the Hong Kong Free Press.

He was arrested in 2020 under the National Security Law, which was enacted following anti-government protests the previous year.