Jimmy Lai's Health Deteriorates in Hong Kong Prison Amid National Security Law Conviction
Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old UK citizen and prominent media tycoon, has been detained in Hong Kong since December 2020. He faces life imprisonment following his recent conviction for colluding with foreign forces under the National Security Law (NSL) and for publishing seditious material under a colonial-era law in Apple Daily.
Lai's daughter, Claire Lai, who currently lives in exile in London, has voiced serious concerns about his declining health while in prison. She reports symptoms including significant weight loss, diabetes, heart issues, fingernails turning purplish grey and occasionally falling off, rotting teeth, and persistent back and waist pain. Some days, Lai is unable to stand or get out of bed. His son, Sebastien, also stated that his father's body is breaking down. The family has repeatedly raised these health issues with authorities.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Commissioner's Office in Hong Kong stated that Lai's lawful rights are protected and that he remains in good health within a safe, humane, and healthy custodial environment.
Lai's case is the most high-profile under the NSL, which Beijing introduced in 2020 to maintain stability but which critics argue suppresses dissent. The UK government has condemned Lai's conviction as politically motivated persecution, emphasizing that he was targeted for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has called for the repeal of the NSL and an end to prosecutions under it.
Claire Lai has written to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to press for her father's release during his upcoming visit to China in late January 2026. This trip will mark the first visit by a UK Prime Minister to China since 2018.
Jimmy Lai was accused of lobbying foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China, charges that have been central to his prosecution under the NSL.
