Mogul Jimmy Lai (C) by Hong Kong (C) is pushed through a media package to reach a waiting vehicle after being released with a guarantee from the Mong Kok Police Department early in the morning in Hong Kong on August 12, 2020, after the Founder of August 12th. (Photographic Credit: Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images)
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On September 4, 2025, the International Legal Team for Jimmy Lai and his son Sebastien Lai made a new urgent appeal to the United Nations experts in relation to the serious and immediate danger to Jimmy Lai’s life posed by his continued detention. Jimmy Lai, a 77-year-old British citizen, owner of the Independent newspaper Apple Daily and Pro-democracy and a human rights defender, has been kept and underwent multiple Kafkaesque trials to combat freedom of speech and democracy in Hong. He has been imprisoned, mainly in isolation, for about 1,700 days, having been held since December 2020 and is facing life to simply standing by his principles and values.
Jimmy Lai faces multiple persecutions, including the alleged seizure and the alleged conspiracy to concentrate with foreign powers in accordance with the controversial law of the People’s Republic of China to ensure national security in Hong Kong and the NSL. On August 28, 2025, Jimmy Lai’s case at the NSL came to the conclusion and a verdict is expected. If convicted, Jimmy Lai could be sentenced to life imprisonment. The NSL has a profound effect on the right to a fair trial and the rule of law in Hong Kong. Among other things, the law established a separate procedure for the research, prosecution and trial of the suspected NSL. Those who are being prosecuted under the NSL often lack the right to trial the jury and trial before a group of three specially appointed national security judges. They can also face the issue in the mainland for trial. Many experts and civil society organizations have raised serious concerns about the functioning of the law.
Last year, the United Nations Working Group for arbitrary reservation He ruled that Jimmy Lai was detained illegally and arbitrarily, demanding his immediate release. Several states, including the United States, the United States, Australia and the EU, and UN special rapporteurs, have called for its immediate and unconditional release.
The urgent appeal submitted to the United Nations experts, including the Special Rapporteur for Torture, Dr. Alice Edwards, the specialist rapporteur on out-of-court, summary or arbitrary legal team, Morris Tidball-Binz and the special rapporteur Mofokeng by aggravating the health of the elderly and diabetic prisoners;
The analysis produced by the international team of lawyers from Doughty Street Chamber, Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC (partner) and includes Jonathan Price KC, Tatyana Eatwell, Jennifer Robinson and Martha Spurrier (Associate). Elderly prisoners and diabetic prisoners in circumstances where “there seems to be a failure to identify the deterioration of a person’s health in prison and the failure of their transfer to the hospital in time for salvation”. Emergency appeal further warns that “it is cool to note that twelve prisoners who died in the period 2014 – 2025 are closely matching the profile of Mr Lai, who were larger, male diabetic prisoners.
Jimmy Lai, 77, has a history of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart status, which puts him at a higher risk of poor – and potentially deadly – health results. Booking on prolonged isolated restriction further adds to the dangers of his physical and mental health and ultimately his life. Jimmy Lai’s international team also set the fact that authorities are well aware of Jimmy Lai’s intense medical condition. Indeed, the arguments of closing in his case had to be postponed due to serious worries about Jimmy’s health. Mr. Lai suffered from heartbeat and fatigue. It is then equipped with a heart screen. However, Jimmy Lai had no sufficient independent medical evaluation nor received appropriate treatment.
Jimmy Lai’s Son, Sebastien, Expressed These Deep Worries About the Emerging News: “My Father, Jimmy Lai, Is 77, Diabetic and Has Extraordiniry Courage in Standing Up for the Values of Press Freedom and Democracy in the Face of Unspeakable Abuses of his Human Rights. me – a UK national – and save his life. “
Continuing refusal to access independent medical care and the lack of specialized medical care, which increases the risk of long -term complications and risks to Jimmy’s health and life, should worry about everyone who is interested in human rights and democracy – Jimmy’s own values.
