G7 governments call on Hong Kong authorities to ‘end such prosecutions’, release pro-democracy media tycoon immediately.
G7 foreign ministers condemned the Hong Kong prosecution of pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, who was found guilty of conspiracy charges under a national security law. They urged the authorities to release him immediately, expressing concern over declining rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. China’s officials dismissed the G7’s statement as interference in internal affairs, asserting Lai’s trial was lawful. Lai, facing a possible life sentence, will have a pre-sentencing hearing on January 12.
