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China Does Not Need Another Liu Xiaobo: Why Jimmy Lai Must Be Released

China Does Not Need Another Liu Xiaobo: Why Jimmy Lai Must Be Released

Location
Tokyo
Date
15 December 2025

15 December 2025 — For Immediate Release

On the verdict in the Jimmy Lai case.

Following today's verdict finding Mr Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of Apple Daily, guilty on three charges, with sentencing scheduled for mid-January, Lady Liberty Hong Kong condemns this judgment in the strongest terms. We reiterate that Jimmy Lai is a prisoner of conscience — one among hundreds of political prisoners in Hong Kong today who are detained solely for their beliefs, speech, and peaceful civic actions.

A prisoner of conscience

Mr Lai is not a criminal. He is imprisoned for exercising fundamental freedoms once guaranteed under Hong Kong's legal framework. His case exemplifies the systematic dismantling of freedom of expression, press freedom, and judicial independence in Hong Kong.

A true patriot who served the Chinese people

Jimmy Lai is a true patriot of China, whose lifelong actions demonstrate genuine care for the Chinese people. Through Apple Daily, he repeatedly initiated public fundraising campaigns to support disaster relief in mainland China, including but not limited to:

  • the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which claimed tens of thousands of lives;
  • the 2010 Yushu earthquake in Qinghai;
  • major flooding disasters in China, where Apple Daily mobilized public donations;
  • early COVID-19 relief efforts, supporting medical and humanitarian needs.

These actions reflect compassion, solidarity, and responsibility toward Chinese society — values that should be honored, not punished.

A firm supporter of "One Country, Two Systems"

Contrary to official accusations, Jimmy Lai has long been a consistent supporter of "One Country, Two Systems." He believed that Hong Kong's freedoms, rule of law, and independent media were not threats to China, but essential foundations for Hong Kong's role within the country. His advocacy was rooted in the framework promised under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.

Prolonged and inhumane detention

Mr Lai has now been held in custody for over 1,800 days. At the age of 78, his health has severely deteriorated, with credible reports of significant weight loss, chronic illness, and declining physical capacity. His continued detention under such conditions is inhumane.

Call for immediate humanitarian release

Lady Liberty Hong Kong calls for Jimmy Lai's immediate release on humanitarian grounds, so that he may receive proper medical treatment and spend his remaining years with dignity. This is a minimal and necessary step consistent with basic humanitarian principles.

History has already shown the irreversible moral cost of allowing a prisoner of conscience to die in custody. China does not need another Liu Xiaobo. Releasing Jimmy Lai would not weaken China; it would demonstrate humanity, confidence, and moral responsibility.

— Alric Lee, Executive Director, Lady Liberty Hong Kong

Lady Liberty Hong Kong urges the international community, governments, religious leaders, and civil society to continue speaking out and taking concrete action until Jimmy Lai and all prisoners of conscience in Hong Kong are free.

Freedom cannot be imprisoned forever.