Japan expresses concern over the conviction in Hong Kong of pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai

The Japanese government expressed its concern on Tuesday over the conviction in Hong Kong of media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, and asked the Chinese authorities to respect “the rights and freedoms” of the citizens of the former British colony. “We are deeply concerned about the effect that Jimmy Lai’s conviction could have on freedom of expression and association and assembly,” said Japanese government deputy spokesman Masanao Ozaki at a press conference, according to the local Kyodo news agency. The Hong Kong High Court on Monday found 78-year-old Jimmy Lai guilty of two counts of conspiracy with foreign forces and one count of sedition linked to the dissemination of subversive material.

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The verdict, announced amid great media expectation, ends a five-year legal process, although the sentence will not be known until next January. Ozaki asked the Chinese authorities to “respect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong citizens”, and assured that the Japanese Government will work with the international community to guarantee their defense. The former editor of the newspaper ‘Apple Daily’, imprisoned since 2020, saw his newspaper shut down in 2021 after a raid with 500 agents that resulted in the blocking of its assets and the arrest of part of its management. Lai’s personal situation has raised concerns, and his children have reported a notable physical deterioration after almost five years in isolation, although Hong Kong authorities assure that he receives adequate medical attention.