On Conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong

B100068/2026

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

(2026/2573(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. Whereas Jimmy Lai, founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, and a prominent leader of the pro-democratic camp of Hong Kong (HK), has been on trial since 2020 and convicted for multiple charges under the HK National Security Law (NSL) and now faces imminent sentencing risking a maximum penalty of life imprisonment;

B. Whereas the prospect of a life sentence against a 76-year-old media publisher for peaceful expression constitutes a grossly disproportionate punishment and raises profound concerns regarding judicial independence and the use of the courts as instruments of political repression in HK;

C. Whereas Lai’s prosecution was based on journalistic writings, public statements and contacts with international actors as evidence, criminalising conduct that is protected under international human rights law;

D. Whereas Jimmy Lai has been held in prolonged pre-trial detention since December 2020 and has spent extended periods in solitary confinement, exacerbating concerns about his physical and mental health;

E. Whereas the HK authorities have denied Jimmy Lai his right to a fair trial;

F. Whereas these developments constitute violations of HK’s international obligations and of the Sino-British Joint Declaration;

1. Strongly condemns the conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai and considers all charges to be politically motivated and as breaches of international human rights standards;

2. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai and all other individuals detained or imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights;

3. Expresses grave concern about the deterioration of Jimmy Lai’s health and detention conditions, and calls for independent medical access and the full respect for his legal rights;

4. Urges the authorities of the HK and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to repeal the NSL and to restore full respect for freedom of expression and of the press, judicial independence and the rule of law in HK;

5. Considers the possible life imprisonment of Jimmy Lai an unacceptable decision, which would bring severe consequences in EU-China relations, and would mark a critical moment for the international community’s response;

6. Urges the Council to immediately adopt sanctions under the EU Human Rights Sanctions Regime against all responsible HK and PRC officials;

7. Calls on the Commission to start working on the suspension of HK status under the WTO;

8. Urges the Member States to offer humanitarian protection, to HK journalists, human rights defenders and activists and to suspend all extradition treaties with HK and the PRC;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the authorities of the PRC and HK.