Pope Leo says he 'can't comment' on 20-year sentence of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai

Jimmy Lai, the former Hong Kong publisher and pro-democracy advocate, will not appeal his national security conviction and 20-year prison sentence, his legal team announced. Lai was convicted in December for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publish seditious articles. The decision ends a years-long legal battle that began with his arrest in 2020 under the national security law, which led to the closure of his newspaper, Apple Daily, known for its criticism of the Chinese government. His lengthy sentence has sparked international concern, with figures like U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling for his release. However, Chinese and Hong Kong authorities maintain the sentencing reflects the rule of law.

Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy activist sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong on sedition and foreign collusion charges, will not appeal his conviction. This decision concludes his legal process and potentially opens the door for political negotiations for his release. Lai, a British citizen and critic of the Chinese Communist Party, was convicted in December and sentenced in February. Western governments and the UN have condemned the prosecution as politically motivated and called for his release, with the UK Prime Minister raising the case with China's leader. While previous releases of foreign citizens detained in China have occurred, Lai's outspoken criticism of the CCP presents a unique challenge. A Hong Kong appellate court recently overturned separate fraud convictions against Lai.