CFU PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2026
Contact: contact@campaignforuyghurs.org
https://campaignforuyghurs.org/

CFU Condemns 20-Year Sentence of Pro-Democracy Activist Jimmy Lai

Washington, D.C. – Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) strongly condemns the sentencing of Hong Kong’s prominent pro-democracy activist and media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison. This sentence constitutes a blatant act of political persecution and underscores the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) systematic crackdown on freedom of expression, independent journalism, and peaceful advocacy.

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old British national,  was convicted on sham charges tied to his role as the founder and publisher of Apple Daily and his peaceful support for democratic values in Hong Kong. In the same case, six former Apple Daily employees and two pro-democracy activists were also sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. These cases demonstrate Beijing’s continued use of the controversial National Security Law to criminalize dissent.

In a press statement, Jimmy Lai’s son responded to his father’s sentence, saying, “Sentencing my father to this draconian prison term is devastating for our family and life-threatening for my father.” Member of the European Parliament Miriam M. Lexmann also condemned the ruling, posting, “I am heartbroken for Sebastian and Claire, who tirelessly fight for their father’s release. My message is this: Do not give up. Today’s sentencing proves the regime’s weakness & your father’s strength. They fear his freedom-loving soul. We will continue fight to [Free Jimmy Lai].”

CFU Executive Director Rushan Abbas emphasized that Jimmy Lai’s persecution is part of a broader pattern of the CCP’s authoritarian rule. “Jimmy Lai is being punished for his courage, for advancing democracy, and for refusing to yield to authoritarian intimidation. His sentence exemplifies the CCP’s systematic repression of dissent and its efforts to silence anyone who advocates for freedom and democracy. Tragically, this pattern is reflected in my own family, as my sister, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, was abducted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for my advocacy as an American citizen.” Ms. Abbas stated. “The erosion of rights in Hong Kong, alongside crimes against humanity in the Uyghur region and Tibet, demands that the international community act decisively to challenge China’s totalitarian agenda and hold it accountable for these abuses,” she added.

The CCP’s actions represent a direct threat not only to democracy and freedom of expression but to all humanity and the future of the free world. CFU calls on governments, international institutions, and democratic allies to secure the immediate release of Jimmy Lai and all prisoners of conscience unjustly detained by the CCP. The international community must take concrete action, including targeted sanctions and diplomatic pressure, to hold the CCP accountable for its ongoing repression and the Uyghur genocide.