Hong kong: Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) countries have called on Hong Kong authorities to immediately release pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, condemning his prosecution under the city's National Security Law. The ministers expressed their stance in a joint statement, emphasizing the importance of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

According to Anadolu Agency, the joint statement was issued on Wednesday by foreign ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, along with the EU's foreign policy chief. They condemned the prosecution of Lai, which resulted in a guilty verdict on December 15, 2025. The G7 ministers voiced their concern over the deteriorating situation regarding rights, freedoms, and autonomy in Hong Kong, insisting that freedom of expression, opinion, and media freedom are protected under Hong Kong's Basic Law. They urged local authorities to stop such prosecutions and to release Lai immediately.

In response, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun dismissed international criticism, affirming that Hong Kong's judicial process aligns with the rule of law and national security requirements. He accused certain countries of making false accusations and interfering in Hong Kong's judicial affairs. Guo stated that the prosecution is justified, legitimate, lawful, and beyond reproach, urging foreign governments to respect China's sovereignty and avoid what he termed as irresponsible remarks.

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old media tycoon and British national, was found guilty on Monday on charges including "conspiring to collude with foreign forces" and sedition under colonial-era legislation. He faces a potential life sentence, with a four-day mitigation hearing scheduled to begin on January 12, as reported by the Hong Kong Free Press. Lai's arrest in 2020 came under the National Security Law, enacted following anti-government protests in the preceding year.