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Grenville Cross
Opinion
Grenville Cross

A speedy pardon in the Jimmy Lai case is unlikely

Foreign governments campaigning for the former media boss’ release should thoroughly look into the nuances of the case as the legal process plays out

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Correctional Services Department vehicles leave the West Kowloon Court after former media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison for violating the national security law, on February 9. Photo: Eugene Lee
Grenville Cross
Grenville Cross SC is a criminal justice analyst, a barrister (senior counsel), and a life senator of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP).
After being sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for national security offences on February 9, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying will decide if he wishes to appeal. He may challenge his convictions and/or sentences and has about two weeks to make up his mind. Given the length of his trial (156 days), the mountain of evidence and the legal issues, it will take time for any appeal to be resolved.

Meanwhile, foreign actors have turned their attention to securing Lai’s early release. The lead counsel in his international legal team, Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, called on “leaders from around the world to speak with one voice in their demand for China to free Jimmy Lai so he can come home to his family in London at last”. However, she did not indicate how his release might be engineered.

When British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited China last month, he raised his concerns over Lai’s case with the Chinese government. After the sentencing, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said, “we will rapidly engage further on Mr Lai’s case”. She called on the Hong Kong authorities to “release him on humanitarian grounds, so that he may be reunited with his family”.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio similarly urged the authorities “to grant Mr Lai humanitarian parole”. The European Union’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Anitta Hipper, called for Lai’s immediate release “in consideration of his advanced age and health condition”.

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