WASHINGTON — The son of imprisoned pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai has brought the campaign to secure his father’s release to the Trump administration this week in Washington.
Nearly two months into President Donald Trump’s second term, Lai’s son, Sebastien, along with their international legal team, met with Trump administration officials and lawmakers, hoping that the United States can aid in pushing for Lai’s release.
Lai, a businessman and the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper in Hong Kong, is accused of collusion with foreign forces and sedition under a Beijing-imposed national security law. He firmly rejects the charges, but if convicted in his ongoing trial, he could face life imprisonment.
"We are incredibly grateful that President Trump has stated he will help release my father. This has given our family a lot of hope," Sebastien Lai expressed at a Wednesday event at the Cato Institute think tank in Washington.
In October 2024, Trump asserted he would "100%" be able to secure Lai’s release if reelected. He stated, "I’ll get him out. He’ll be easy to get out. But we don’t have people that even talk about it." This was mentioned during an interview with conservative podcast host Hugh Hewitt.
The White House did not respond to VOA’s email requesting comment on any specific plans the Trump administration may have to assist in Lai’s release. However, a State Department spokesperson reiterated that the United States calls for Lai’s immediate release, stating, "Lai’s lengthy trial and unjust detention exemplify how China utilizes vague national security laws to suppress fundamental freedoms and political discourse."
Lai, a 77-year-old British national, has been in solitary confinement in Hong Kong since late 2020. His trial, initially projected to last about 80 days, has been ongoing since December 2023 and is widely perceived as politically motivated.
Hong Kong authorities have denied claims that Lai’s trial is unfair and maintain that press freedom and the rule of law are intact.
During the Cato Institute event, Mark Clifford, president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, suggested that the U.S. government should consider sanctions against Hong Kong officials as a means to advocate for Lai’s release. Clifford, who previously served on the board of Apple Daily’s parent company, also proposed that the United States could close the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Washington, New York, and San Francisco.
"There’s a comprehensive toolkit available to the administration," Clifford noted.
Despite the likelihood of government-appointed judges finding Lai guilty, Mark Simon, who worked with Lai for decades in Hong Kong, argued that releasing Lai may align with Beijing’s interests. He stated, "Your influence as a dissident peaks while you’re imprisoned. The world rallies for you. If China releases him, his influence diminishes. If he dies in prison, then they lose control entirely."
Jimmy Lai’s international legal team has expressed concerns regarding the conditions of his detention, highlighting prolonged solitary confinement and lack of access to specialized medical care for diabetes. Hong Kong authorities have dismissed these allegations.
"Everyone understands that time is running out for my father," Sebastien Lai said. Despite his father’s deteriorating physical health, he mentioned, "His mind remains strong, and he continues to fight. That is something that should inspire all of us."
Before concluding his cross-examination in Lai’s national security trial last week, Hong Kong prosecutor Anthony Chau read out the charges, alleged conspiracies, and co-conspirators, asking the elder Lai if he agreed with them. "Of course, I disagree. Totally rubbish," Lai responded firmly.
After 52 days in the witness box, Lai completed his testimony last week. Lawyers from both sides are not expected to return to court to present their closing statements until August, marking yet another delay in the trial.
Lai’s situation has garnered bipartisan support in Washington, according to Caoilfhionn Gallagher, the attorney leading Lai’s international legal team. She expressed hope that the United States and the United Kingdom can coordinate efforts to secure Lai’s release, stating, "We are extremely concerned for his health and well-being, and indeed, his life. It is in no one’s interest for this brilliant man to die in prison."
