Skip to content
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2573(RSP))

On Conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong

B-10-2026-0082

on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Sebastião Bugalho, Miriam Lexmann, Isabel WiselerLima, Željana Zovko, Andrey Kovatchev, Antonio LópezIstúriz White, Wouter Beke, Tomáš Zdechovský, Liudas Mažylis, Davor Ivo Stier, Łukasz Kohut, Jan Farský, Luděk Niedermayer, Danuše Nerudová, Inese Vaidere, Vangelis Meimarakis, Reinhold Lopatka, Loránt Vincze

Official HTML ↗ PDF DOCX
✦ In shortFull text
✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

This resolution condemns the conviction of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong and calls for his immediate release, medical care, and the release of all detained journalists and writers. It also calls on member states to suspend extradition treaties with Hong Kong and China and to review the status of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices.

Key points

  1. Strongly condemns the politically motivated conviction of Jimmy Lai and calls for his immediate and unconditional release and access to specialised medical care.
  2. Expresses concern over Lai's solitary confinement and denial of medical care, calling it cruel and inhumane treatment.
  3. Sees the case as part of broader systematic violations of fundamental freedoms by Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.
  4. Deplores the destruction of press freedom and calls for the release of all journalists and writers detained under national security and sedition charges.
  5. Calls on member states to suspend extradition treaties with Hong Kong and China and review the status of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices.
  6. Calls on China and Hong Kong to uphold international legal commitments to protect fundamental rights and freedoms.

Who is affected

  • Jimmy Lai, British citizen and media entrepreneur, convicted and detained in Hong Kong.
  • Journalists and writers detained in Hong Kong and China under national security and sedition charges.
  • Diaspora communities in the EU, targeted by transnational repression.
  • Member states, called to suspend extradition treaties and review Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices.

Figures and deadlines

  • 78 years old, Jimmy Lai's age.
  • Over 1,800 days in solitary confinement.
  • Over 250 individuals arrested under the National Security Law and Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.
  • At least 28 journalists prosecuted in Hong Kong since 2020.
  • 60-70% of the verdict based on conduct before the law came into force on 30 June 2020.
  • Over 10 years detention for Gui Minhai.