Conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong

In this non-legislative resolution, Parliament responds to the conviction of British citizen and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, convicted on 15 December 2025 of collusion with foreign forces under the National Security Law and of sedition, with imminent sentencing that could result in life imprisonment. The text condemns the conviction in the strongest terms, urges the Hong Kong authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Lai and all others detained for exercising their freedoms, to drop all charges and to provide access to specialised medical care. It reiterates its condemnation of the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and calls for their repeal, calls on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with China and Hong Kong, and urges the Council to adopt sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against officials responsible. The resolution was adopted on 22 January 2026.