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son of a British media tycoon jimmy brought have given thanks donald trump For promising to raise the issue of his father’s imprisonment when he meets the Chinese President Xi Jinping On Thursday.
Mr Lai, the 77-year-old founder of the now defunct newspaper apple dailyAwaiting verdict on charges of treason and collusion with foreign powers under hong kongStrict national security law. Ill pro-democracy activist has pleaded not guilty but is likely to be convicted Life imprisonment if found guilty,
Mr Trump is due to meet Xi in South Korea on the sidelines of a regional summitAnd said Mr Lai’s case is “on my list” to discuss such matters as trade tariffs and Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Responding to Mr Trump’s comments, Mr Lai’s son Sebastian told Independent: “I am very grateful to President Trump for his commitment to saving my father’s life. We hope he will convince President Xi to free my father.”
the issue of jimmy broughtThe matter was brought to Mr Trump’s attention in a joint letter written by Republican Senator Rick Scott and signed by more than 30 US lawmakers, urging the President to intervene due to Mr Lai’s deteriorating health.
“The humanitarian case for Mr. Lai’s release is stronger and more serious than ever, which is why it must be addressed at the highest possible level,” the lawmakers wrote.
As he departed for his five-day Asia tour this week, Mr Trump told reporters: “I have great respect for Rick Scott and many of the people who are asking me to do this.” [raise Mr Lai’s case]And it’s on my list. I am going to ask.
“Look, they’re big enemies, so we’ll see what happens, you know. jimmy brought And President Xi is a great enemy, but it’s been a long time coming,” Trump said.
Expectations of a breakthrough from the Trump-Xi meeting come after a tireless campaign led by Sebastian, urging the international community to step up pressure. China To release his father, whose high-profile trial is being seen as a test of press freedom and judicial independence in the Asian financial centre.
Concerns over Mr. Lai’s health led to a delay in closing arguments at his trial in August, with authorities eventually issuing him a heart monitor to wear during the proceedings. He was held in solitary confinement for nearly four years for his role in the 2019 pro-democracy protests, which eventually ended Beijing Enforcing new national security laws in the city.
Sebastian has repeatedly warned that his father suffers from diabetes and says that he has lost weight due to being deprived of independent medical care.
During the campaign last year, Mr Trump said he would secure Mr Lai’s release if elected. “One hundred percent, I’m going to take him out,” he said at the time. Trump then declined to say he would defend Mr. Lai “100 percent,” instead saying he would raise the issue with Mr. Xi at some point.
Sebastian last month He said he believed it was in China’s interests to release Mr LaiWarning that if he died behind bars he would be a martyr to the pro-democracy movement. He said, “It’s terrible for me to say this, but if my father dies in prison, he’s really a strong symbol of freedom, of martyrdom for your beliefs.”
at the Chinese Foreign Ministry hong kong has criticized a joint letter signed by US lawmakers urging Mr Trump to demand Mr Lai’s release.
“Concerned US politicians have called for acquittal [Jimmy Lai]harbored and glorified him, and interfered in the administration of justice hong kong Special Administrative Region, which is a serious violation of the principles of international law and basic norms of international relations,” the Chinese-language statement said, according to the Hong Kong Free Press.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Mr Trump’s call to raise the issue amounted to “open support” for the jailed “anti-China” tycoon.
Although it is now several weeks since closing arguments were completed in August in a trial that lasted nearly 160 days, it is unclear when the court will issue its decision in Mr. Lai’s case.
“The US, UK, Australian and Canadian governments, the EU and UN experts all agree that he should be released immediately. But that is not enough,” said Caolphion Gallagher Casey, who is leading the international legal team for Mr Lai and his son.
“The UK government, especiallyNow China should make it clear about the consequences of continuing to imprison this British citizen. President Trump is taking a tough stance; The Prime Minister should also make every effort to bring Mr Lai back to London.
Last year, Sir Keir Starmer said he agreed that Mr Lai’s arrest was a breach of the treaty handing Hong Kong over from British to Chinese rule, and that securing his release was a “priority” for the government.