London: 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.
According to Anadolu Agency, Yvette Cooper released a statement condemning the 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. Cooper criticized Beijing's National Security Law, asserting it was imposed to silence critics and reiterated the UK's call for its repeal and the end of prosecutions under it. She called for Lai's immediate release and highlighted the need for him to have access to independent medical professionals.
The 78-year-old media tycoon and British national was found guilty on all three counts, including conspiring to collude with foreign forces and sedition under colonial-era legislation. Facing a maximum life sentence, his four-day mitigation hearing is set to begin on January 12, as reported by the Hong Kong Free Press. Lai was arrested in 2020 under the National Security Law, which was enacted following anti-government protests in 2019.
In response to the UK's condemnation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun defended Hong Kong's legal actions, stating that the city upholds the rule of law and has the Central Government's support in safeguarding national security. Guo urged other countries to respect China's sovereignty and refrain from interfering in Hong Kong's judicial affairs.
The European Union also expressed its disapproval of Lai's conviction, labeling it as politically motivated and indicative of the erosion of democracy and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong since the National Security Law's enactment in 2020. The EU joined the UK in calling for Lai's immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that national security trials undermine confidence in Hong Kong's legal system.
The EU's statement also recalled the forced closure of Apple Daily, the independent newspaper founded by Jimmy Lai, in June 2021. It highlighted the importance of a free and independent media in maintaining resilient societies and government accountability. The EU urged China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to honor their international legal commitments to safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms.