Washington: U.S. leaders have called on China to release Jimmy Lai, who was convicted yesterday on national security charges, while China warned foreign nations not to interfere in the case. President Donald Trump commented briefly on the conviction of former Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai on national security charges yesterday, saying he felt "terrified" and that he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the matter. He suggested that China consider releasing Lai, given his age and health issues, and that they should wait and see what happens. However, Trump did not specify when he spoke with the Chinese leader.
According to Thai News Agency, yesterday, a Hong Kong court found 78-year-old Lai guilty on two counts: conspiring with foreign forces and conspiring to disseminate inflammatory media to incite unrest during the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The court scheduled a sentencing hearing for next month, where he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Lai's children have expressed concerns that his poor health and advanced age could lead to his death in prison.
Before President Trump addressed the issue, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement yesterday warning foreign countries to refrain from interfering in the Lai case and to avoid tampering with Hong Kong's judicial system. China also rejected criticisms of the case as blatant defamation and damage to the reputation of Hong Kong's justice system.