The family of imprisoned media mogul Jimmy Lai has expressed increasing alarm over his declining health and the alleged mistreatment he has endured in solitary confinement at a jail in Hong Kong. As the founder of the now-closed Apple Daily, Lai has been heavily involved in pro-democracy activism and is currently facing grave charges under Hong Kong’s national security law, including sedition and collusion with foreign powers.
Lai’s children reported that their father, who is nearing 78 years old, has suffered significant health issues, including substantial weight loss, rotting teeth, and nail loss. His daughter Claire highlighted the severity of his condition, stating that his physical appearance has drastically deteriorated, making him weaker as time passes. The family noted that his health concerns were serious enough to delay closing arguments in his trial as authorities were forced to provide him with a heart monitor for the proceedings.
For nearly four years, Lai has been kept in solitary confinement, forced to endure extreme temperatures, reportedly reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius during the summer. His family alleges that he has been denied basic healthcare access and independent medical assistance, leading to his worsening diabetes management.
In addition to physical ailments, the emotional toll of his confinement has been compounded by what his children describe as petty acts of cruelty by prison staff. For instance, after learning his preferences, they ensured he received none of his requested curry sauce, which appears to be a tactic aimed at demoralizing him.
Sebastien Lai, Jimmy Lai’s son, has warned that the situation is critical, asserting that if his father were to die in prison, he would become an even greater symbol of the fight for democracy and freedom. He has urged the international community to apply pressure on China for his father’s release, underscoring the moral implications of allowing someone in failing health to remain incarcerated under such circumstances.
Moreover, Sebastien has appealed to prominent leaders, hoping that figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer continue to advocate for his father’s freedom in their discussions with Chinese officials. He stressed the urgency of the matter, saying it would only take two hours to safely airlift his father out of danger and allow him humane treatment.
The high-profile nature of Jimmy Lai’s trial and his advocacy for press freedom is not only significant for him personally but also represents a broader test of judicial independence in Hong Kong. As calls grow for his release, it is evident that defending freedom of expression remains critical in the face of increasing authoritarianism, especially in a region where press freedoms are under severe threat.