Jimmy Lai's son calls for release ahead of Xi's US visit

Lai Tian-yi, son of the jailed Apple Daily founder, has intensified efforts to draw international attention to his father's case as diplomatic tensions simmer between Beijing and Washington. The appeal comes amid heightened scrutiny of Hong Kong's legal framework and freedom of expression under mainland Chinese oversight.

Jimmy Lai, 76, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in December on charges of foreign collusion and seditious publication. The veteran media entrepreneur had been a prominent voice advocating for democratic freedoms in Hong Kong before his arrest. His conviction has drawn criticism from international human rights organisations and press freedom advocates.

The timing of the family's renewed campaign reflects broader concerns about press freedom and civil liberties in Hong Kong since the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020. The legislation has significantly restricted public discourse in the territory, with numerous activists and journalists facing prosecution under its provisions.

Lai's case has become emblematic of tensions between Beijing's assertion of control over Hong Kong and international demands for the protection of fundamental freedoms. His supporters argue that his conviction undermines Hong Kong's former status as a global financial hub with independent institutions and rule of law protections.