resolution motion, 19 January 2026
On the conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong
Motion B-10-2026-0085 · (2026/2573(RSP))
on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Kathleen Van Brempt, Sakis Arnaoutoglou
AI:In short
This resolution condemns the conviction of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong as a grave violation of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and calls for his immediate release and the dropping of all charges against him and others prosecuted for peaceful activism. It also urges Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to restore judicial independence and fair trial rights, and calls on the EU and member states to intensify diplomatic efforts and consider measures against those responsible for human rights violations.
Key points
- Strongly condemns the conviction of Jimmy Lai and his imminent sentencing as a grave violation of freedom of expression, press freedom and the rule of law.
- Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai and for dropping all charges against him and others prosecuted solely for peaceful exercise of fundamental rights.
- Deplores the use of the National Security Law and sedition legislation to silence independent journalism, elected officials and political opposition, breaching Hong Kong's international obligations.
- Expresses full solidarity with journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers and civil society actors in Hong Kong facing intimidation, prosecution and imprisonment.
- Urges Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to restore respect for judicial independence, fair trial rights and fundamental freedoms, and to repeal or amend legislation contravening international human rights standards.
- Calls on the EU and its member states to intensify diplomatic engagement, raise Jimmy Lai's case in bilateral and multilateral fora, and consider appropriate measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations.
- Reaffirms that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remains an essential element of the EU's engagement with the People's Republic of China.
Who is affected
- Jimmy Lai and other individuals prosecuted for peaceful exercise of fundamental rights in Hong Kong.
- Journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers and civil society actors in Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong and Chinese authorities, who are urged to restore judicial independence and fair trial rights.
- EU and its member states, called on to intensify diplomatic engagement and consider measures.
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Full text
Text 21 paragraphs
B100085/2026
European Parliament resolution on the conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong
(2026/2573(RSP))
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on the cases of Jimmy Lai and other pro-democracy activists;
– having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Sino-British Joint Declaration, art.39 of the Hong Kong's Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance (HKBORO);
– having regard to Rules 150(5) of its Rule of Procedure,
A. whereas in December 2025 Jimmy Lai was convicted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL) and colonial-era sedition provisions on charges including “collusion with foreign forces” and “publication of seditious materials”;
B. whereas the charges against Jimmy Lai relate to the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, press freedom and peaceful political advocacy, which are protected under international human rights law and guaranteed under the ICCPR as applicable to Hong Kong;
C. whereas serious concerns have been raised regarding violations of fair trial standards, including restrictions on legal representation, the broad and vague interpretation of national security offences, and the lack of judicial independence in NSL cases;
D. whereas Jimmy Lai faces the prospect of a lengthy prison term or life imprisonment, despite his advanced age and deteriorating health;
E. whereas according to the UK Government the introduction of the Hong Kong NSL is in violation of the Sino- British Declaration;
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F. whereas the EU and China have established since 1996 a human right dialogue and the EU aims at fostering relations with China based on common goals and values, including the respect of human rights and international law;
1. Strongly condemns the conviction of Jimmy Lai and the imminent sentencing as a grave violation of freedom of expression, press freedom and the rule of law;
2. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, and for the dropping of all charges against him and other individuals prosecuted solely for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights;
3. Deplores the use of the NSL and sedition legislation to silence independent journalism, elected officials and political opposition, in breach of Hong Kong’s international obligations and the guarantees enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration;
4. Expresses its full solidarity with journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers and civil society actors in Hong Kong who continue to face intimidation, prosecution and imprisonment;
5. Urges the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to restore respect for judicial independence, fair trial rights and fundamental freedoms, and to repeal or substantially amend legislation that contravenes international human rights standards;
6. Calls on the EU and its Member States to intensify diplomatic engagement, raise Jimmy Lai’s case systematically in bilateral and multilateral fora, and consider appropriate measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations;
7. Reaffirms that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remains an essential element of the EU’s engagement with the People’s Republic of China;
8.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative, and the authorities of the Hong Kong SAR and the People’s Republic of China.