U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other leaders have criticized the 20-year prison sentence handed down to Jimmy Lai, a Catholic entrepreneur and media tycoon in Hong Kong. Lai was sentenced on February 9 after being convicted in December 2025 for alleged national security violations, following years of legal proceedings that advocates describe as politically motivated.
Rubio stated, “The Hong Kong High Court’s decision to sentence Jimmy Lai to 20 years is an unjust and tragic conclusion to this case.” He added that the sentencing “shows the world that Beijing will go to extraordinary lengths to silence those who advocate fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, casting aside the international commitments Beijing made in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.”
The joint declaration between the United Kingdom and China established terms for transferring sovereignty over Hong Kong, promising a high degree of autonomy for the region.
Lai founded Apple Daily, a pro-democracy tabloid critical of Chinese policies. He was first arrested in 2020 under accusations related to China’s national security law. His case has attracted support from international lawmakers and political figures, including former President Donald Trump.
Rubio also said, “After enduring a trial lasting two years, and detention in prison for more than five, Mr. Lai and his family have suffered enough. The United States urges the authorities to grant Mr. Lai humanitarian parole.”
Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey), who represents New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress—a position he has held since replacing Frank Thompson in 1981—condemned what he called an “unconscionable” sentence for Lai. Smith has been active on this issue by authoring legislation and leading congressional hearings about Lai’s situation.
Smith stated: “Jimmy Lai is a man of faith and conscientious conviction, and he should be released immediately. Despite — or perhaps in spite of — his life’s work as a legendary entrepreneur and a lion of free speech, Jimmy has been unjustly prosecuted and persecuted by functionaries who, for all purposes, are lackeys of the Chinese Communist Party.”
He continued: “President Trump has spoken eloquently on his behalf, and I ask the president to continue to prioritize Jimmy Lai’s release, as well as the releases of Americans unjustly detained in China. Jimmy’s poor health, due to his advanced age and mistreatment in prison, only underscores the necessity of his prompt release on humanitarian grounds.” Smith emphasized urgency: “Time is of the essence” adding that the U.S. must use diplomatic and economic tools available.
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) also criticized Lai’s sentencing: “This sham trial…is an attempt by the Chinese government to extinguish press freedom.” Merkley warned against normal relations with China while repression continues: “There can be no business as usual while the Chinese government continues its campaign of brutal oppression against Hong Kongers.” He is working on measures that could remove diplomatic privileges from Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) operating in America if conditions do not improve.
Lai’s international legal team spoke out after sentencing as well. Caoilfhionn Gallagher said: “Today marks the final blow to the rule of law in Hong Kong…Sentencing Jimmy Lai — already aged 78 — to two decades behind bars is an affront to justice…” She called for global leaders’ intervention so that Lai can return home.
Jonathan Price from Lai’s legal team noted at a press conference that companies associated with Apple Daily were fined despite insolvency—a move he described as evidence for diminishing press freedom.
Price added: “Sentencing sends a crystal clear message that … lawful dissent in Hong Kong will no longer be tolerated.” He highlighted concerns about Mr. Lai’s health due to age: “His health is rapidly failing. The situation could not be more urgent.”
More information about this story can be found at https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/asia-pacific/secretary-rubio-other-leaders-denounce-jimmy-lai-s-tragic-20-year-sentence
