Quote from Alex bobby on March 13, 2025, 4:34 AM

Jimmy Lai’s Son Rallies for His Father’s Release in Washington

The campaign to free imprisoned pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai has reached a new phase, as his son, Sebastien Lai, took his plea to Washington this week. Nearly two months into President Donald Trump’s second term, Sebastien and his international legal team met with Trump administration officials and lawmakers, hoping for U.S. intervention in securing his father’s release.

Jimmy Lai, a businessman and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper in Hong Kong, has been accused of collusion with foreign forces and sedition under the controversial Beijing-imposed national security law. If convicted in his ongoing trial, he could face life in prison. Despite the grave charges, Lai and his supporters maintain that his prosecution is politically motivated, aimed at silencing one of China’s most prominent pro-democracy voices.

Trump’s Promise to Secure Lai’s Freedom

Sebastien Lai expressed gratitude for President Trump’s previous statements regarding his father’s release. In October 2024, Trump confidently stated that he would “100%” secure Lai’s freedom if reelected. This week, Sebastien reiterated that Trump’s assurance had given his family renewed hope.

"We were incredibly grateful that President Trump said that he will help release my father. It’s given us as a family a lot of hope," he said during an event at the Cato Institute in Washington.

Despite Trump’s past commitment, the White House has yet to outline a concrete strategy for Lai’s release. A State Department spokesperson reaffirmed the U.S. government’s call for Lai’s immediate release, condemning his prolonged trial and imprisonment as an example of China’s use of vague national security laws to suppress freedom and dissent.

The Ongoing Trial and Harsh Conditions

Jimmy Lai, a 77-year-old British citizen, has been in solitary confinement in Hong Kong since late 2020. His trial, which began in December 2023, was initially expected to last around 80 days but has since been repeatedly delayed. The latest postponement means that final arguments from both the prosecution and defence won’t be heard until August, prolonging Lai’s uncertain fate.

Lai’s supporters have raised serious concerns about his treatment in prison. His legal team reports that he is being held under harsh conditions, with extended periods of solitary confinement and inadequate medical care for diabetes. While Hong Kong authorities deny these allegations, many fear for Lai’s health and well-being, given his age and fragile condition.

“Everybody realizes that the clock is ticking, and time is running out for my father,” Sebastien Lai warned.

Despite these hardships, his son insists that Jimmy Lai remains mentally resilient. "He’s still strong mentally, and he’s still fighting. That’s something that should inspire all of us."

Possible U.S. Actions to Pressure China

At the Cato Institute event, Mark Clifford, president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, suggested that the U.S. government should impose sanctions on Hong Kong officials responsible for Lai’s detention. He also proposed shutting down the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Washington, New York, and San Francisco as a means of increasing diplomatic pressure.

“There’s a pretty good tool kit that the administration has,” Clifford noted, urging U.S. policymakers to take stronger action against those enabling Lai’s imprisonment.

Mark Simon, a longtime associate of Lai, argued that Beijing might ultimately see releasing Lai as a strategic move.

“Your influence as a dissident is at its height when you’re in prison. The world is campaigning for you. If you’re China and you release him, his influence goes down,” Simon explained. “If he dies in prison, then you don’t control anything.”

A Symbol of Resistance

Lai’s defiance was on full display in court last week. During the final day of his cross-examination, the prosecution read out the charges against him and asked if he accepted them. Lai’s response was unwavering:

“Of course I disagree. Totally rubbish.”

After 52 days of testimony, Lai completed his witness statements, though the trial is far from over. With months of delays ahead, his legal team is racing against time to secure international intervention.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher, the attorney leading Lai’s international legal efforts, emphasised the need for coordinated action between the U.S. and U.K. governments to push for his release.

“We’re extremely worried for his health and well-being, and indeed, his life,” she said. “It’s in no one’s interest for this brilliant man to die in prison.”

Conclusion

Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment is a stark reminder of the shrinking space for press freedom and political dissent in Hong Kong. His trial has become emblematic of Beijing’s broader crackdown on democratic voices. With U.S. officials and human rights advocates rallying to his cause, the coming months will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can successfully pressure Beijing into releasing one of the world’s most high-profile political prisoners.

As Sebastien Lai continues his father’s fight on the international stage, one thing remains clear: Jimmy Lai’s resilience and unwavering belief in democracy serve as a powerful symbol for those who refuse to be silenced. Now, it is up to world leaders to turn their words of support into decisive action.