Governments call for Lai’s release after 20-year sentence

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, a prominent critic of China, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials, concluding a significant national security case. The 78-year-old denied the charges, claiming political persecution, while judges emphasized his role as the mastermind behind conspiracies seeking foreign sanctions. International concerns have been voiced, with calls for humanitarian parole due to Lai’s health issues. Chinese officials defended the ruling as a necessary measure for national security, asserting Lai received a fair trial.

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