Jimmy Lai will not appeal conviction, paving way for political negotiations over release

"We can confirm we have clear and definitive instructions not to lodge an appeal against conviction or sentence. Lai, a British citizen, was sentenced in February after being convicted in December on charges of sedition and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges."

"Although Lai was spared the maximum penalty of a life sentence, his 20-year jail term is the harshest penalty given for national security offences in Hong Kong. His family has said that it could mean he will die a martyr behind bars."

"Western governments including the UK have described Lai's prosecution as politically motivated and have called for his immediate release. The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, has said that the verdict was incompatible with international law and must be quashed."

Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy activist and British citizen, has decided not to appeal his 20-year prison sentence handed down in February 2024 for sedition and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. At 78 years old, this represents the harshest penalty for national security offences in Hong Kong. Western governments, including the UK and UN rights officials, have condemned the prosecution as politically motivated and incompatible with international law. Lai's decision to forgo appeal concludes his legal proceedings and potentially opens pathways for political negotiations regarding his release. His family expressed concern he may die in prison, while his son criticized the UK's efforts during recent diplomatic discussions with China.

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