Jimmy Lai
February 9, 2026
The United States has strongly criticised the Hong Kong High Court’s decision to sentence pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison, describing the ruling as unjust and deeply troubling.
In a press statement issued on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the verdict represents a bleak outcome to a case that underscores Beijing’s determination to silence voices advocating fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. He noted that the decision sends a clear message to the international community about the lengths China is willing to go to suppress dissent.
According to the statement, the ruling also disregards the international obligations China committed to under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which set out guarantees for Hong Kong’s autonomy and civil liberties.
Mr Lai’s conviction follows a trial that lasted two years, after he had already spent more than five years in detention. Secretary Rubio said the prolonged legal process and extended imprisonment have placed a heavy burden on Mr Lai and his family, adding that they have “suffered enough”.
The United States has called on the Hong Kong authorities to grant Mr Lai humanitarian parole, citing the length of his detention and the circumstances surrounding the case.
Source: Press Statement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, February 9, 2026
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