UK – Independent, Mar. 17, 2026
The Hong Kong democracy campaigner and British citizen was sentenced to 20 years in prison last month under a security law imposed by China.
Jimmy Lai’s son has said his family recently received “very distressing news” about his father’s health as he continues to campaign for the 78-year-old’s release.
Hong Kong democracy campaigner and British citizen Mr Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison last month under a security law imposed by China.
In a video address to the Society of Editors conference on Tuesday, Mr Lai’s son Sebastien Lai said: “Recently, we have received some very distressing news about his health.
“The deterioration of his health over the last five years has been heart-breaking to watch.”
Sebastien Lai said his father has remained “stoic”, but said a 20-year sentence at 78 years old is a “death sentence”.
“When they announced this 20-year sentence, which to all intents and purposes is a life sentence, a death sentence,” he said.
“He (Jimmy Lai) 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.”
