By Gill Bikram Singh 
Sebastien Lai, son of imprisoned Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, has made a desperate appeal for a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as his father’s high-profile trial nears its conclusion.
Call for Diplomatic Action
Speaking from London, Sebastien Lai emphasized the urgency of securing his father’s release, warning that the 77-year-old could die in prison. “I don’t want my father to die in jail. I need to meet with the prime minister imminently,” he told AFP.
Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and pro-democracy activist, has been behind bars in Hong Kong since December 2020. His legal team has expressed growing concerns over his deteriorating health and prison conditions.
Facing Life in Prison
Lai is on trial under Hong Kong’s national security law, facing charges of foreign collusion and sedition for his role in supporting the 2019 pro-democracy protests. The charges carry a possible life sentence.
As the founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, Lai has been one of the most prominent figures prosecuted under the controversial law imposed by China to suppress dissent. After more than 50 days of testimony, his defense team concluded its case this week, with final arguments set for July 28.
Pressure on the UK Government
The UK government has repeatedly called for Lai’s release, with a spokesperson stating, “British national Jimmy Lai’s case is a priority. We continue to call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution and immediately release him.”
Keir Starmer previously raised Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping and has stated that securing his freedom remains a government priority. However, Lai’s legal team is urging more immediate action.
Caoilfhionn Gallagher, one of Lai’s lawyers, warned that delays could lead to “a British national dying in prison for being a journalist and standing up for democratic values.”
Hong Kong Officials Reject Calls for Release
Meanwhile, Beijing has dismissed any suggestion of freeing Lai. Sun Qingye, deputy chief of Hong Kong’s national security office, rejected international pressure, stating, “This matter must be dealt with according to the law. Why grant a pardon? What would be the reason?”
As the trial heads toward its final stage, supporters of press freedom and democracy continue to push for diplomatic intervention to secure Jimmy Lai’s release before it is too late.