Shaheen, Risch on Sentencing of Pro-Democracy Campaigner Jimmy Lai

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement regarding the Hong Kong government's sentencing of Jimmy Lai.

"The Hong Kong government's further persecution of Jimmy Lai through multiple unjust and wrongful legal convictions makes a mockery of the rule of law. Mr. Lai has long been a peaceful advocate for democracy, and all of the activities for which he was prosecuted are protected under Hong Kong's own Basic Law and internationally recognized human rights. Mr. Lai's sentencing makes clear that Hong Kong's long-respected courts now lack judicial independence under the city's national security regime.

"Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong still have an opportunity to show mercy. We call for Jimmy Lai's immediate and unconditional release from prison on humanitarian grounds. Mr. Lai is 78 years old and in declining health. After five years in solitary confinement, during which he has endured unimaginable hardship, he should be freed to recover from his ordeal in the care of his family and friends who love him."

###

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet