Claire Lai, the daughter of imprisoned media mogul Jimmy Lai, has urgently expressed her fears about her father's declining health, noting that he has been severely weakened after years of incarceration.
At 78, Lai has been held since December 2020 and faces a life sentence due to a conviction under Hong Kong's contentious national security law. Living in exile in London, Claire fears she may never reunite with her father outside prison.
Before his arrest, Lai was known for his strength and resilience; however, his health has significantly worsened during his time in custody. Claire shared alarming details, noting he has lost considerable weight and suffers from new, serious medical issues, including diabetes and heart ailments.
Her description of his condition is troubling: his fingernails have taken on a purplish-grey hue and occasionally fall off, his teeth are decaying, and he experiences severe back and waist pain. Some days, he cannot even stand or leave his bed due to intense pain.
The Lai family has consistently voiced their concerns over his deteriorating health, emphasizing that his advanced age and medical issues make prolonged imprisonment potentially life-threatening. Despite their worries, Hong Kong and Chinese officials deny any mistreatment allegations, asserting that Lai’s health remains stable under lawful detention.
A British citizen and founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, Jimmy Lai has become a symbol of the crackdown on dissent under the national security law implemented in 2020 after a series of pro-democracy protests. Critics argue the law severely undermines press freedom and silences opposition, while Beijing claims it is vital for maintaining order in the region.
The UK government has condemned Lai’s conviction as politically driven, infringing on freedom of expression. British officials are calling for the repeal of the national security law and the cessation of related prosecutions. In light of these developments, Lai’s family is urging British authorities to advocate for his release through high-level diplomatic channels, hoping that international pressure will prompt action before his condition worsens further.
A drone strike near Dubai Airport hit a fuel tank and caused a large fire. Flights were temporarily
Donald Trump says the US will focus on ending the Iran conflict before dealing with Cuba, even as ta
Federal government signs landmark agreements with Musqueam Nation, recognizing Aboriginal rights whi
Canada’s labour market faltered with a sharp drop in employment and higher unemployment, marking the
