Source: UN News: Friday, February 13, 2026 00:01 AM
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Volker Turk has appealed for the immediate release of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison under the national security law by a Chinese court. A senior UN official has criticized this decision of the court, calling it a violation of international human rights law. Jimmy Lai, 78, was the founder of the now defunct Apple Daily, a newspaper seen as an advocate of democracy. He has been sentenced to this punishment on charges imposed under the security-related law in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China. Tweet URL
On 15 December 2025, Jimmy Lai was found guilty in the High Court under Chinese law of conspiracy to publish seditious material. Besides, in two other cases the allegation of allegedly being part of a conspiracy with foreign powers was also proved. However, Jimmy Lai has rejected all these allegations. This decision of the court can be appealed against. Criminalization of rights After reviewing the decision of the UN High Commissioner, the Office of the UN High Commissioner has expressed concern that this decision criminalizes the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and media freedom. Also, the basis on which this decision has been made is largely related to conduct that preceded the national security law, which includes a wide range of involvement with external powers. It has been explained vaguely. “Jimmy Lai, a publisher, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for exercising rights protected under international law.” Appeal for releaseHigh Commissioner Volker Turk has appealed for the immediate release of Jimmy Lai on humanitarian grounds considering his age and health. He has been kept in custody for the last 4 years. The national security law was implemented in Hong Kong in 2020, after which the situation of press freedom has deteriorated, many independent media organizations have been closed, a large number of journalists have been arrested and foreign journalists have to face strict visa policies.OHCHR The chief said this reflects a broader trend of repression in Hong Kong, where at least 385 people have been arrested under these laws and 175 have been found guilty of national security crimes. In addition to Jimmy Lai, six former employees of the ‘Apple Daily’ newspaper, an activist and a legal assistant have also been sentenced to six to 10 years in prison.