Joint Letter to UK Prime Minister Calling for the Urgent Release of Jimmy Lai

August 21, 2025       Comments Off on Joint Letter to UK Prime Minister Calling for the Urgent Release of Jimmy Lai

The Network of Chinese Human Rights Defenders, together with 72 other human rights organizations, calls on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to secure the release of publisher Jimmy Lai. A 77-year-old British citizen, Lai’s health has dangerously deteriorated after more than 1,680 days in detention in Hong Kong.

The full letter follows:

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The Rt Hon Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer KC

10 Downing Street

London

SW1A 2AB

21 August 2025

Dear Prime Minister,

We, a coalition of 73 human rights and press freedom organisations, are writing to express our profound concern over the rapidly deteriorating health of Jimmy Lai, the 77-year-old British publisher, writer, and media entrepreneur, who has now endured over 1,680 days in solitary confinement in Hong Kong. During this time, his health has significantly deteriorated. He remains imprisoned while awaiting the outcome of a politically motivated trial that has been repeatedly delayed, further undermining his right to a fair and timely legal process.

On 15 August, the trial was postponed again after it was revealed that Mr. Lai had suffered heart palpitations and episodes where he felt as though he were “collapsing.” Despite this, the court rejected a defence request to excuse him from attending the closing arguments and instead proceeded with rescheduling the hearing, demonstrating a disturbing disregard for his fragile health and well-being.

As a British citizen, Mr. Lai has been enduring an unthinkable ordeal in prison, including solitary confinement with only 50 minutes of exercise per day and minimal access to natural light. At his age, and given his pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes, the lack of specialised medical care puts him at severe risk of life-threatening complications. His international legal team has already raised alarms about his alarming weight loss and growing physical frailty.

Prime Minister, given Britain’s unique relationship with Hong Kong and its status as Jimmy Lai’s home nation, you have a responsibility to take strong leadership in this case, acting swiftly and decisively.

With each passing day, the risk that Mr. Lai could die in prison increases. We appreciate your statements in Parliament acknowledging the significance of this case to your government and your ongoing efforts to raise it at the highest levels. However, the time for statements has passed. We urge you to act now to secure Jimmy Lai’s immediate release before he dies in prison.

We therefore respectfully call on you to demand Mr. Lai’s urgent humanitarian release on medical grounds, so that he may reunite with his family in the United Kingdom and receive the care he needs.

We stand ready to support you in any way we can as you work to secure Jimmy Lai’s release.

Yours sincerely,