The Hong Kong High Court has sentenced Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison. The United States criticized the decision, calling it "an unjust and tragic conclusion to this case." According to the statement, "It shows the world that Beijing will go to extraordinary lengths to silence those who advocate fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, casting aside the international commitments Beijing made in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration."
Lai's trial lasted two years, and he has already spent more than five years in detention. The U.S. government stated, "After enduring a trial lasting two years, and detention in prison for more than five, Mr. Lai and his family have suffered enough. The United States urges the authorities to grant Mr. Lai humanitarian parole."
The case is seen as part of broader concerns about diminishing freedoms in Hong Kong.
