The UK foreign secretary David Cameron called for British citizen Jimmy Lai's release of the pro-democracy newspaper publisher amid his politically motivated prosecution in a high-profile trial in Hong Kong.
Cameron condemned the charges against Lai, who faces a potential life sentence if convicted under a national security law that China introduced after the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Cameron Calls for Lai's Release
Lai was charged with plotting with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring with others to publish provocative material. The trial was anticipated worldwide amid concerns about Beijing's growing influence on Hong Kong.
Cameron said Hong Kong's national security law violated the Sino-British joint declaration. He explained that its continued existence and use demonstrated China breaking its international commitments.
According to The Standard, the former prime minister noted that it has harmed Hong Kong, with rights and freedoms significantly eroded. Arrests under the law have also silenced opposition voices.
Furthermore, he expressed his concern about Lai's prosecution. He said he was gravely concerned about anyone facing prosecution under the national security law and especially concerned about the politically motivated prosecution of Lai.
He believed that Lai had been targeted in an apparent attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association as a prominent and outspoken journalist and publisher.
Cameron urged the Chinese authorities to revoke the national security law and end the prosecution of all individuals charged under the law. He called on the Hong Kong authorities to end their trial and release Lai.
Last week, Cameron made the pleas after he met Lai's son, Sebastien. Lai's son said he had left the meeting feeling hopeful that the UK would shortly add its voice to calls for his father's immediate and unconditional release.
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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 07: British Foreign Secretary David Cameron speaks at the Aspen Security Forum on December 07, 2023 in Washington, DC. Cameron spoke on the need to continue to provide military aid to Ukraine to stop Russia's advancement and urged the U.S. Congress to pass the stalled funding bill.
Lai's Case
Lai established Hong Kong's now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. Later, he was arrested in 2020 during a crackdown on the city's pro-democracy movement.
His case has become a major concern, especially among Tory backbenchers striving for a harder Government line on China. Lai's trial came after Rishi Sunak and his ministers sought to reduce tensions with Beijing.
Former foreign secretary James Cleverly first visited China five years ago when he traveled in August. Cameron returned to high office in a shock move last month and said his intervention was significant.
His resignation dramatically deteriorated the relations between the West and China, far from the so-called 'golden era' of ties he presided over.
Cleverly's appointment initiated several questions about whether he would be willing to take a tough stance on Beijing. Cameron has acknowledged that the Asian power has become more aggressive and assertive since he left No 10. and took up the Foreign Secretary role.
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