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September 19, 2024 – Switzerland/China/UN –
During the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), represented by its international legal team, formally voiced grave concerns over the deteriorating physical and mental health of Jimmy Lai. The Apple Daily founder has been held in extreme solitary confinement since December 2020, spending over three and a half years confined to a cell for over 23 hours daily, with only 50 minutes of limited outdoor time.
Lai is charged under Hong Kong’s National Security Law—a sweeping measure enacted by Beijing—and currently stands trial for alleged “collusion” and sedition, offenses punishable by life imprisonment. His imprisonment is widely regarded as politically motivated, targeting his role as a pro-democracy advocate, media entrepreneur, and vocal critic of the Hong Kong and Chinese governments.
At the UN hearing, Dr. Tatyana Eatwell highlighted the punitive nature of Lai’s confinement—devoid of independent medical care or meaningful human contact—which she warned may amount to torture under the UN Convention against Torture. She urged his immediate release and included Lai’s case in a broader call for action against arbitrary detentions of journalists and pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong.
The U.S. delegation supported this stance, advocating for Lai’s unconditional freedom during the interactive dialogue. Additionally, a formal urgent appeal was submitted to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, citing violations of international standards—including denial of medical care, severe isolation, and repeated hold-ups in his trial timeline.
Jimmy Lai, a dual British citizen aged 76 (now 77), is diabetic and has experienced significant weight loss and frailty under extreme confinement. His son, Sebastien, and legal counsel cautioned that Lai’s life remains at serious risk if current conditions persist
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