Family of Imprisoned Hong Kong Campaigner Jimmy Lai Receives Distressing Health News
The family of prominent Hong Kong democracy campaigner and British citizen Jimmy Lai has recently received what they describe as "very distressing news" regarding his health, according to his son Sebastien Lai. This development comes just one month after the 78-year-old was sentenced to 20 years in prison under China's national security law.
Emotional Address Reveals Health Deterioration
In a heartfelt video address delivered to the Society of Editors conference, Sebastien Lai shared the concerning update about his father's condition. "Recently, we have received some very distressing news about his health," he stated, adding that "the deterioration of his health over the last five years has been heart-breaking to watch."
Sebastien described his father as remaining "stoic" despite the circumstances, but emphasized the severity of the situation. He characterized the 20-year sentence for a 78-year-old man as essentially a "death sentence." "When they announced this 20-year sentence, which to all intents and purposes is a life sentence, a death sentence," he explained.
Campaigner's Resilience Amidst Imprisonment
Despite the grim outlook, Sebastien recounted his father's remarkable composure during sentencing. "He was stoic, he was at peace, and he even managed to smile to the judges to tell them that though they have captured his body and they have shackled his body, they have not shackled his spirits," he revealed.
Jimmy Lai, who founded the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper that frequently criticized both Hong Kong and Beijing governments, was initially arrested in August 2020. His son highlighted his father's commitment to journalistic principles, stating: "Here's a man who, if we think about free press, freedom of expression, has taken that principle to its end. He has stood with his journalists until he was arrested."
Call for Support and Release Campaign
During his conference address, Sebastien Lai appealed directly to attendees, asking them to sign a letter calling for his father's immediate release. He framed his father's situation as a powerful reminder of journalistic responsibility and the costs of defending fundamental freedoms.
"His story is a reminder of the responsibility that a journalist has to both his colleagues, but also to the people, that he tells the truth to," Sebastien emphasized. "His story is a reminder of the cost of standing up for these freedoms that we all take – most of the time – for granted in this country."
The health concerns add another layer of urgency to the campaign for Jimmy Lai's release, with his family and supporters increasingly worried about his wellbeing as he serves what his son describes as a "life sentence" for a man of his age and health condition.
