On Conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong

B102026/2573

European Parliament resolution on 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 the People’s Republic of China (PRC)

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

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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

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

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;

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.