EU calls for ‘immediate’ release of Jimmy Lai after ‘politically motivated prosecution’ – Europe live

The Guardian - World NewsEN 12 min read 100% complete by Jakub KrupaFebruary 9, 2026 at 11:37 AM

AI Summary

long article 12 min

The European Union is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy figure in Hong Kong, after he received a 20-year prison sentence. The EU "deplores" the sentence, citing Lai's age and health, and considers the prosecution politically motivated. The EU believes the prosecution of Lai and former Apple Daily executives harms Hong Kong's reputation and undermines press freedom. They are urging Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in press freedom, which they consider a pillar of Hong Kong's success as a financial center, and to cease prosecuting journalists. The EU released the statement following Lai's sentencing in Hong Kong.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Portugal ×230% Jakub Krupa ×230% Russia 35% Munich ×240% Apple Daily 60% Hong Kong ×585% European Union ×590% Jimmy Lai ×695%

Keywords

jimmy lai 100% hong kong 90% eu 80% politically motivated prosecution 70% press freedom 70% jail sentence 60% national security offences 60% munich security conference 50% ukraine 40% russia 40%