CPJ, partners call on British PM to push for Jimmy Lai’s freedom as he marks 1,000 days in jail

Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, handcuffed and chained between two officers, is led into a police van as he heads to court to be charged under the territory's national security law on December 12, 2020 as he is accused of conspiring with foreign forces to endanger national security.

Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai (center) is led into a police van in Hong Kong on December 12, 2020. He is awaiting trial under Hong Kong's national security law and could receive a life sentence. (AFP/Peter Parks)

The Committee to Protect Journalists joined 10 other press freedom and human rights groups on Monday in calling on British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take immediate and decisive action to secure the release of Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-shuttered pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and a British citizen.

On Tuesday, 75-year-old Lai will have been behind bars in Hong Kong for 1,000 days. The release of Lai, who is facing charges that could lead to life imprisonment, is a fundamental step to safeguard press freedom in Hong Kong, the groups said.

Read the full letter below.

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