Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) have called on Hong Kong authorities to immediately release pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, condemning his prosecution as a violation of human rights and freedom of expression. China, however, has dismissed the intervention as “crude interference in its internal affairs,” escalating tensions over Hong Kong’s autonomy and judicial independence.

Jimmy Lai Convicted on National Security and Sedition Charges

On Monday, a panel of three judges in Hong Kong found 78-year-old Jimmy Lai guilty of two counts of conspiring with foreign forces to threaten national security and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious material. Lai faces the possibility of life imprisonment when he is sentenced early next year.

Lai, founder of the pro-democracy media outlet Apple Daily, has been detained for five years following his arrest amid the mass pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, but his trial has drawn widespread international attention as one of the most prominent uses of Hong Kong’s National Security Law.

G7 Statement Demands Justice

In a joint statement issued by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the G7 condemned Lai’s prosecution and urged Hong Kong authorities to:

• End all prosecutions against Jimmy Lai.
• Release him immediately.
• Uphold human rights, freedoms, and autonomy in Hong Kong.

The statement expressed deep concern about the ongoing deterioration of civil liberties in the city, warning that international attention remains focused on the implications of Hong Kong’s legal and political system.

China Responds with Strong Criticism

China responded swiftly through a spokesperson quoted by the Global Times, characterizing the G7 statement as a “serious violation of the basic norms governing international relations.” The spokesperson emphasized that:

• Hong Kong’s legal system operates independently, and the trial was conducted fairly.
• Jimmy Lai participated in destabilizing activities that threatened national security.
• External parties should refrain from interfering in China’s internal and judicial affairs.

The statement reaffirmed Beijing’s stance that Lai’s prosecution is lawful and justified under the National Security Law, which criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign organizations.

Background: National Security Law and Political Crackdown

Introduced in 2020, Hong Kong’s National Security Law was implemented as part of a broader crackdown on dissent following the 2019–2020 protests. Lai’s case has become the most high-profile application of the law, drawing international criticism for alleged political motivation and suppression of press freedom.

The trial has garnered attention from global leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, who publicly pledged support for Lai’s release. Despite international pressure, Chinese and Hong Kong authorities insist that justice has been served and the law has been applied appropriately.

Upcoming Court Proceedings

Jimmy Lai is scheduled to return to court on January 12, 2026, for a pre-sentencing hearing. His legal team will then determine whether to appeal the verdict following sentencing, continuing what has become a landmark legal and political saga in Hong Kong.