Beijing has criticized US legislators for showing support for Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media tycoon who is currently in prison in Hong Kong and is facing a national security trial next week. The Chinese Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong stated that the US lawmakers had made false accusations about human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
The Ministry expressed opposition to the remarks made by the US legislators and called them “anti-China disruptors.” They claimed that individuals like Jimmy Lai have violated the law in Hong Kong, challenged the constitutional order, and endangered national security. Beijing urged the US politicians to respect China’s sovereignty and stop interfering in Hong Kong and China’s internal affairs.
Leaders of the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) have urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to address reported instances of torture and mistreatment of political prisoners in Hong Kong. They raised concerns about the health of Jimmy Lai, who is 76 years old and allegedly detained in solitary confinement.
In response to the CECC’s letter, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the US politicians of interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs while ignoring their own country’s problems. They highlighted that Hong Kong ranked higher than the US in the World Justice Project’s rule of law index for 2024.
Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, has been detained since December 2020 and is facing charges under the national security law imposed by Beijing. He was also sentenced to jail for fraud in 2022. Lai’s trial will resume next week, and he could potentially face life imprisonment if convicted.
Donald Trump, the former US president, had expressed willingness to help secure Lai’s freedom before the presidential election. He had mentioned that he could speak to Chinese leader Xi Jinping to assist in Lai’s release. Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, has been advocating for his father’s freedom overseas.
Overall, the situation surrounding Jimmy Lai’s case continues to draw international attention and raises concerns about human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The ongoing trial and the involvement of foreign governments add complexity to the already contentious issue of political freedom in the region.
