US President Donald Trump says he asked China’s Xi Jinping to free jailed Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai on humanitarian grounds.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said he has asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to consider releasing imprisoned Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai.
Trump expressed sadness over Lai’s conviction, telling reporters he felt “so badly” about the case.
“I spoke to President Xi about it, and I asked to consider his release,” Trump stated, without specifying when the request was made.
The US president cited Lai’s age and poor health as reasons for his appeal, saying “He’s an older man, and he’s not well.”
Trump had previously vowed to seek Lai’s freedom before returning to the White House.
The two leaders met in South Korea in October, where Trump is believed to have raised the issue.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the verdict demonstrated China’s intent to “silence those who seek to protect freedom of speech and other fundamental rights.”
Rubio noted China’s promise to uphold Hong Kong’s separate system prior to the 1997 handover from Britain.
He also highlighted concerns over Lai’s severely deteriorated health after more than 1,800 days in prison.
The US urged authorities to end Lai’s ordeal and release him on humanitarian grounds.
Lai, a 78-year-old diabetic and devout Catholic, was found guilty on all three national security charges on Monday.
He has been jailed since his arrest in late 2020 and could now face life imprisonment.
His case has united US democracy advocates, press freedom groups, and Christian activists, a key base for Trump.
The conviction is part of China’s broader clampdown in Hong Kong following the mass protests of 2019. – AFP
