On the Conviction and Imminent Sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong

B100084/2026

European Parliament resolution on the Conviction and Imminent Sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong

(2026/2573(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on Hong Kong and on the People’s Republic of China (PRC),

having regard to the Statement by the Delegation of the EU to the PRC of 15 December 2025 on the verdict in the Jimmy Lai case,

having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas on 15 December 2025, Hong Kong’s High Court convicted British citizen and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai on national security charges, and whereas he now faces imminent sentencing that could result in imprisonment;

whereas Jimmy Lai has been detained since 2021 following multiple prosecutions widely regarded as politically motivated, including charges of collusion with foreign forces under the National Security Law (NSL) and sedition under the colonial-era Crimes Ordinance; whereas his trial has been marked by serious due-process concerns, including the denial of his right to legal counsel;

whereas the conviction of Jimmy Lai represents a further escalation in the dismantling of freedom of expression, media freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong following the imposition of the NSL in 2020 and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO)

whereas through the imposition of the NSL and the SNSO China has breached its international legal obligations which guaranteed HK a special status until 2047 under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which remains applicable to Hong Kong;

whereas Jimmy Lai, aged 78, suffers from diabetes and has been held in prolonged detention under harsh conditions;

Condemns in the strongest terms the conviction of Jimmy Lai and expresses grave concern over his imminent sentencing, which exemplifies the systematic use of state security laws to eliminate independent media, free speech and the political opposition in Hong Kong;

Urges the HK authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Jimmy Lai, as well as all other individuals detained for exercising their freedoms and democratic rights, to drop all charges against them, and to guarantee their fundamental rights;

Reiterates its strong condemnation of the application of NSL and the SNSO in Hong Kong and its transnational implications; urges the PRC and HK to repeal the NSL and the SNSO,

Condemns escalating transnational repression by Chinese and Hong Kong authorities against journalists, activists, and diaspora groups, including in the EU; reiterates its call on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and HK and to provide effective protection to individuals at risk of political persecution;

Urges the Council to urgently review its 2020 Conclusions on HK and adopt sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Chief Executive John Lee and all HK and PRC officials responsible for the crackdown on freedoms in HK;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Government and Parliament of the PRC, and the Chief Executive and Legislative Council of the HKSAR.