The pro-democracy publisher has been detained for three years prior to his trial.
The trial of Chinese publisher Jimmy Lai began in Hong Kong this week, and the U.S. Department of State issued a formal statement condemning his prosecution, denouncing his three-year pre-trial detention and his inability to choose his own lawyer.
Lai ran a newspaper called Apple Daily in Hong Kong for 30 years, remaining openly pro-democracy as he advocated for freedom of information within Chinese borders. However, the 74-year-old billionaire was arrested three years ago under Beijing’s new National Security Law, which revoked citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and free press within the city.
“Actions that stifle press freedom and restrict the free flow of information… have undermined Hong Kong’s democratic institutions and harmed Hong Kong’s reputation as an international business and financial hub,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. “We call on Hong Kong authorities to immediately release Jimmy Lai and all others imprisoned for defending their rights.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For officials in the State Department as they respond to the actions of foreign governments.
- For wisdom for Secretary of State Blinken as he heads the department and diplomatic efforts.
Sources: Department of State, AP
