Martin Haffner-Associate Editor, London
Yesterday marked 1,500 days since Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s most notable political prisoner and media entrepreneur, was incarcerated—a period far too long for someone who shouldn’t be detained any longer.
At 77 years old, Lai, a British citizen and devout Catholic, is confined in solitary confinement, reportedly allowed only 50 minutes of exercise each day. This means he spends more than 23 hours without natural light, fresh air, or human interaction beyond prison guards. As a diabetic, he has been denied independent medical care, raising serious concerns about his deteriorating health.
Since his arrest in December 2020, Lai has faced multiple fabricated charges, including a 13-month sentence for lighting a candle and praying at a vigil for the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, and a 14-month sentence for participating in a peaceful protest in 2019—sentences he has already served.
Over the past four years, I have lit candles for Lai in various locations worldwide, from cathedrals in Italy to cities like Prague, Washington, and Tokyo. If expressing solidarity through candles, prayers, and peaceful protests is deemed a crime warranting such sentences, I too would face lifelong imprisonment.
Tomorrow, I will join hundreds in London to protest against China’s plan for a new mega-embassy in the historic Royal Mint. I will speak briefly at this demonstration, knowingly violating Hong Kong’s National Security Law, which extends its reach beyond its borders—highlighting the absurdity of Lai’s situation and the injustice of his imprisonment.
Lai has also faced a six-year sentence on a politically motivated fraud charge, handed down on December 10, 2022, coinciding with International Human Rights Day. This sentence stems from his use of office space in the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper—a charge that, even if valid, should have been a civil matter, not a criminal one.
Under the current regime, such frivolous charges aim to tarnish Lai’s reputation and extend his time in prison. Unfortunately, it seems that this is merely the prelude to a more severe trial that lies ahead. Although he has spent 1,500 days incarcerated, he has yet to conclude his trial under the oppressive National Security Law, which began over a year ago. With a likely minimum sentence of 10 years on the horizon, Lai could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Despite these challenges, Lai remains a beacon of courage and integrity. A biography by Mark Clifford, titled The Troublemaker, chronicles Lai’s journey from fleeing famine in China at the age of 12 to becoming a successful media entrepreneur. After the Tiananmen massacre, he turned to media to champion democracy, freedom, and human rights, risking all he had for his principles.
Two nights ago in London, Lord Chris Patten delivered a powerful address at the launch of Clifford’s biography, reminding us why Lai’s case is so crucial. The freedom to believe, speak, protest, and create is a fundamental human right that too many are denied around the world.
Lai symbolizes not just the struggle for freedom in Hong Kong but for everyone who cherishes liberty. Therefore, marking these 1,500 days should not serve as a mere commemoration but as a rallying cry for action.
We urge world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and others, to amplify the call for Lai’s freedom. The hashtag #FreeJimmyLai should echo across social media and public discourse.
Above all, I implore Pope Francis to raise his voice for Lai. As a devout Catholic, I hope the Holy Father will pray for Lai’s release during his Angelus address and meet with Lai’s son, Sebastien, as a pastoral gesture.
Lai has reportedly been denied Holy Communion for over a year, raising serious concerns about his religious freedom and dignity—issues that should matter to the Church.
As we reflect on Lai’s 1,500 days in prison, let us, regardless of our faith or beliefs, unite in a powerful call for freedom: #FreeJimmyLai.
