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A blow to promises from years ago
Rubio recalled that such a verdict contradicts the commitments made by China in 1984, when it guaranteed Hong Kong's rights and freedoms after the city's handover from the British. According to Washington Beijing's current actions prove that these promises have been broken.
The US Secretary of State also emphasized the personal dimension of the case. “After a two-year trial and more than five years in prison, Mr. Lai and his family have had enough of suffering. The United States is calling on the authorities to parole Mr. Lai on humanitarian grounds“- he appealed.
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Who is convicted tycoon Jimmy Lai?
Jimmy Lai, 78, owner of the now-defunct Apple Daily and one of the most recognizable faces of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, was convicted under the national security law. Human rights organizations warn that given his age and health condition, 20 years in prison means in practice a life sentence or even a “death sentence”.
Judges appointed by the authorities found that Lai's actions were “premeditated” and fell into the “most serious category” of crimes. The justification stated that he was “the driving force” of a conspiracy to induce the US and other countries to impose sanctions against China and that he used Apple Daily for political lobbying against the government and the Chinese Communist Party. The defense's request for leniency on health grounds was rejected.
The verdict was condemned not only by the United States, but also by the European Union and Great Britainviewing it as further evidence of the erosion of autonomy and freedom in Hong Kong.
