Pro-democracy activist and media mogul Jimmy Lai has been convicted of colluding with foreign forces and sedition under Hong Kong's national security law, marking a significant development in the region's escalating political repression.
Lai's conviction has sparked outrage worldwide, with his family expressing heartbreak over the ruling while emphasizing the need for international action against what they deem an unjust imprisonment.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called for Chinese President Xi Jinping to release Lai, highlighting the 78-year-old's fragile health and rallying support for his cause.
The UK government has condemned the verdict as politically motivated, signaling its dissatisfaction by summoning China's top diplomat and reinforcing the global outcry against the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong.
Supporters of Lai have filled courtrooms and the streets, showcasing their solidarity and anger at the growing authoritarianism in Hong Kong, a stark contrast to its promised freedoms under the "one country, two systems" framework.
Lai's case encapsulates the larger struggle for democracy in Hong Kong, as activists face mounting pressures, including disbanding political parties and intensified crackdowns, while the international community grapples with how to respond to China’s actions.
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