Law and Disorder Media Freedom Under Siege
Jun 21, 2025
Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, a prominent human rights lawyer, and Sebastien Lai, the son of imprisoned Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, discuss the alarming state of media freedom. They delve into the use of 'lawfare' to intimidate journalists and the dire circumstances of Jimmy Lai's solitary confinement. The conversation touches on excessive sentences, the role of international support, and the responsibilities of the UK towards its citizens abroad. They highlight the ongoing threats faced by journalists globally and the pressing need for diplomatic action to secure their release.
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Son Advocates For Imprisoned Media Owner
- Sebastien Lai describes campaigning in the UK to free his father, Jimmy Lai, a British citizen imprisoned in Hong Kong for pro-democracy journalism.
- He says Jimmy has been in maximum-security prison for over four years and suffers poor health while held in solitary confinement.
Lawfare Uses Multiple Charges To Silence Media
- Caoilfhionn Gallagher calls the case 'lawfare' and outlines multiple overlapping charges used to grind down journalists and proprietors.
- She highlights that convictions for peaceful protest were condemned and some were later overturned but only after sentences had been served.
Absurd Lease Charge And Heavy Sentence
- Sebastien and Caoilfhionn explain the lease/fraud conviction against Jimmy Lai involved a tiny sublease and no clear victim.
- They stress the five years nine months sentence was grossly disproportionate and politically motivated.