Claire Lai warns her father’s death in prison would be a historic stain on China, citing his failing health and solitary confinement.
WASHINGTON: The daughter of convicted Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai has warned China he would become a “martyr” if he dies in prison.
Claire Lai voiced renewed alarm over her father’s health in an interview following his guilty verdict on Monday.
“My father represents everything good about what is, or what at least once was, the financial crown jewel of China,” she told AFP.
“Don’t let my father die a martyr in prison. It’s going to be a stain on your history that you won’t be able to erase.”
She said the 78-year-old diabetic has been held in solitary confinement in scorching heat, lost significant weight, and been deprived of medical care.
The Hong Kong government earlier this month condemned reports on Lai’s treatment as “fact-twisting.”
Claire Lai stated the government “did not refute a single one of the substantive health claims I made.”
“What does keep me up at night are the images I remember of my father’s failing health,” she added.
She appealed for authorities to allow him doctors of his choice and ultimately to release him.
“He is just a good man who loves God, loves the truth, and loves his family, and we just want him back.”
Jimmy Lai founded the Apple Daily tabloid and was arrested in late 2020 under a national security crackdown.
He faces life in prison when sentenced, a verdict Britain has condemned. – AFP
