Jimmy Lai, the jailed pro-democracy tycoon in Hong Kong, is reportedly suffering from deteriorating health in prison, according to his daughter. Claire Lai, who resides in exile in London, told the BBC that her father's fingernails "sometimes fall off" and his teeth are rotting.
Lai, 78, has been detained since December 2020 and faces a potential life sentence. Earlier this month, he was convicted of colluding with foreign forces under the city's national security law (NSL). His family has urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to call for Lai's release during his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a letter seen by the BBC. Claire Lai expressed fears that she "may never see him again."
Hong Kong and Chinese authorities have refuted claims of mistreatment, asserting that Lai is in "good health." The accusations of Lai's declining health raise concerns about prison conditions and the treatment of political prisoners in Hong Kong.
The National Security Law, implemented in 2020, criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Critics argue that the law has been used to suppress dissent and erode freedoms in Hong Kong. The law's broad interpretation and enforcement have led to the arrest and prosecution of numerous pro-democracy activists, journalists, and politicians.
Lai, the founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, has been a prominent figure in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. His newspaper was known for its critical coverage of the Chinese government and its support for democratic reforms. The closure of Apple Daily in 2021 was widely seen as a blow to press freedom in Hong Kong.
Lai's conviction and ongoing imprisonment have drawn international condemnation. Human rights organizations and foreign governments have called for his release and expressed concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong. The situation remains tense, with Lai's family continuing to advocate for his freedom and improved treatment. His next legal steps are unclear.
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