"Donald Trump has said he wants Chinese leader Xi Jinping to release Jimmy Lai as he voiced sadness over the Hong Kong media mogul's conviction on national security charges. I feel so badly. I spoke to President Xi about it, and I asked to consider his release, Trump told reporters on Monday, without specifying when he asked Xi. He's an older man, and he's not well. So I did put that request out. We'll see what happens."
"The Hong Kong verdict showed China's determination to silence those who seek to protect freedom of speech and other fundamental rights. He noted that China promised to uphold a separate system before Britain handed over the financial hub in 1997. Reports indicate that Mr Lai's health has severely deteriorated during more than 1,800 days in prison, Rubio said in a statement. We urge the authorities to bring this ordeal to an end as soon as possible and to release Mr Lai on humanitarian grounds."
"Lai's daughter Claire Lai also appealed for his freedom after the conviction, telling the Associated Press that Lai would devote himself to God and his family rather than political activism if he were released. He just wants to reunite with his family. He wants to dedicate his life to serving our Lord, and he wants to dedicate the rest of his days to his family."
Donald Trump asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to consider releasing Jimmy Lai and expressed sadness over Lai's conviction on national security charges. Trump said he raised the matter with Xi and noted Lai's advanced age and poor health. The meeting likely occurred in October in South Korea. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the verdict as evidence of China's determination to silence defenders of free speech and cited deteriorating health after more than 1,800 days in prison. Governments, institutions and rights groups condemned the conviction. Lai is a British citizen and devout Catholic; his daughter appealed for his release on humanitarian and family grounds.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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