Hong Kong: Spokesperson Statement on the sentencing of Jimmy Lai

The EU deplores the heavy prison sentence of 20 years imposed on British citizen and media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai by the Hong Kong High Court on 9 February 2026. The EU reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, also in consideration of his advanced age and health condition. 

The politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai and the former Apple Daily executives and journalists harms Hong Kong’s reputation. The EU calls on the Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in press freedom in Hong Kong, one of the pillars of its historic success as an international financial centre, and to stop prosecuting journalists.