What changed

B102026/2573

B100085/2026

European Parliament resolution on Convictionthe conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong

(2026/2573(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Hongthe Kongcases andof theJimmy People’sLai Republicand ofother Chinapro-democracy (PRC)activists;

having regard to Rules 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure

– having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Sino-British Joint Declaration, art.39 of the Hong Kong's Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance (HKBORO);

whereas on 15 December 2025 Hong Kong’s High Court found Jimmy Lai, a British national and founder of a pro-democracy newspaper, guilty on trumped-up charges under the draconian China-imposed National Security Law (NSL), for offences carrying a possible sentence of up to life imprisonment; whereas Mr Lai was repeatedly denounced by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for his persistent advocacy for democracy;

– having regard to Rules 150(5) of its Rule of Procedure,

whereas Jimmy Lai was tried alongside eight co-defendants, including Andy Li, Wayland Chan Tsz-wah and Cheung Kim-hung, all linked to the former Apple Daily newspaper or pro-democracy activism;

A. whereas in December 2025 Jimmy Lai was convicted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL) and colonial-era sedition provisions on charges including “collusion with foreign forces” and “publication of seditious materials”;

whereas concerns have been raised about Mr Lai’s health and the impact of prolonged detention and solitary confinement, prompting calls by international actors, including US President, for his release on humanitarian grounds;

B. whereas the charges against Jimmy Lai relate to the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, press freedom and peaceful political advocacy, which are protected under international human rights law and guaranteed under the ICCPR as applicable to Hong Kong;

whereas the exceptionally lengthy judgment starkly illustrates the severe erosion of political freedoms in Hong Kong, demonstrating that individuals who criticise the CCP or the Hong Kong government, or advocate greater democracy, risk imprisonment, as the national security law is used to silence dissent and independent journalism;

C. whereas serious concerns have been raised regarding violations of fair trial standards, including restrictions on legal representation, the broad and vague interpretation of national security offences, and the lack of judicial independence in NSL cases;

Strongly condemns the prosecution and conviction of Jimmy Lai under the NSL as politically motivated and incompatible with Hong Kong’s obligations under international human rights law;

D. whereas Jimmy Lai faces the prospect of a lengthy prison term or life imprisonment, despite his advanced age and deteriorating health;

Calls on the Hong Kong authorities and the PRC to immediately release Mr Lai and all individuals detained for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression, association and the press and end political prosecutions that criminalise fundamental rights;

E. whereas according to the UK Government the introduction of the Hong Kong NSL is in violation of the Sino- British Declaration;

Expresses grave concern at the systemic use of national security provisions to criminalise legitimate political activity, independent media work, trade union action, civil society engagement and criticism of the authorities, including the CCP; underlines that these practices have silenced dissent, forced the closure of civil society organisations, dismantled independent unions, imposed widespread censorship and created a profound chilling effect on fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong;

F. whereas the EU and China have established since 1996 a human right dialogue and the EU aims at fostering relations with China based on common goals and values, including the respect of human rights and international law;

Stresses that prolonged pre-trial detention, closed proceedings and restrictions on legal defence undermine the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence;

1. Strongly condemns the conviction of Jimmy Lai and the imminent sentencing as a grave violation of freedom of expression, press freedom and the rule of law;

Calls for the repeal of the NSL and the SNSO; denounces the degradation of basic freedoms in HK, including freedom of press;

2. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, and for the dropping of all charges against him and other individuals prosecuted solely for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights;

Calls on the EU Delegation to Hong Kong and Macao to closely monitor Mr Lai’s situation and related cases;

3. Deplores the use of the NSL and sedition legislation to silence independent journalism, elected officials and political opposition, in breach of Hong Kong’s international obligations and the guarantees enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration;

Reiterates that respect for human rights must remain central to EU–China relations, including any future cooperation or dialogue on Hong Kong; expresses deep regret that Beijing-driven erosion of Hong Kong’s freedoms should have consequences for its special trade status, including with the EU, which must be reviewed; further highlights Hong Kong’s role in circumventing sanctions imposed on Russia and on North Korea;

4. Expresses its full solidarity with journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers and civil society actors in Hong Kong who continue to face intimidation, prosecution and imprisonment;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Member States, and the Government of the PRC and the Hong Kong authorities.

5. Urges the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to restore respect for judicial independence, fair trial rights and fundamental freedoms, and to repeal or substantially amend legislation that contravenes international human rights standards;

6. Calls on the EU and its Member States to intensify diplomatic engagement, raise Jimmy Lai’s case systematically in bilateral and multilateral fora, and consider appropriate measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations;

7. Reaffirms that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remains an essential element of the EU’s engagement with the People’s Republic of China;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative, and the authorities of the Hong Kong SAR and the People’s Republic of China.