United States President Donald Trump has appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the release of imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, expressing concern over Lai’s health following his conviction under Hong Kong’s national security law. Lai, found guilty on three charges, faces a possible life sentence for allegedly inciting foreign action against China and publishing anti-authority material. Trump’s plea to Xi follows criticism from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the UK, who called the conviction politically motivated. Lai’s imprisonment has led to a decline in media freedom in Hong Kong, with the closure of his Apple Daily newspaper, prompting calls for his release on humanitarian grounds.
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