Washington, D.C. – The guilty verdict handed down this week to Hong Kong media tycoon and democracy advocate Jimmy Lai was expected but is still devastating, his daughter Claire Lai told CNN’s Jim Sciutto, blaming what she described as the city’s “highly compromised” legal system under Chinese rule.

Her father, 78, now faces the possibility of life in prison after his two-year trial under a sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed on the city following months of huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests.

Self-made billionaire Lai, founded a fiercely pro-democracy tabloid newspaper known for its blistering broadsides against the Chinese communist Party until its forced closure in 2021.

Prosecutors cited Lai’s lobbying of US politicians during Trump’s first term – much of it before the security law was enacted – as evidence of sedition and colluding with foreign forces, including his meetings with then-Vice President mike Pence, then-State Secretary Mike Pompeo, and attempts to meet Trump himself.

Hong Kong authorities have repeatedly rejected claims Lai’s trial was politically motivated and maintain the city’s judicial system adheres to the rule

Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997, has a separate judicial system to that of mainland China – which has a conviction rate above 99%.

Critics fear the national security law has brought what they describe as Beijing’s authoritarian and opaque judicial norms to Hong Kong, with all national security trials so far heard by a panel of specially selected judges, not juries – a departure from the city’s common-law tradition when dealing with serious cases.

Human rights barrister Jonathan Price KC, part of Lai’s international legal team, described the court proceedings as a “performative process” that began with Lai’s arrest in 2020 and culminated in what he called a predetermined verdict.

“The legal reasoning is scarce to say the least, if not non-existent,” Price said.

In response, Hong Kong authorities said the court “clearly pointed out in the reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying (Jimmy Lai) was not on trial for his political views or beliefs,” adding that the 855-page ruling is “fully open for public inspection” and “meticulously explains the court’s analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence.”

The Hong Kong government also defended the city’s legal system, saying, “Hong K

Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media tycoon in Hong Kong, has experienced a “dramatic” decline in health while imprisoned, according to his daughter, Sabrina Lai. She reports her father has lost a meaningful amount of weight and expresses concern over the medical care he is receiving.

Hong Kong authorities maintain that Lai is receiving “adequate and comprehensive” medical attention, stating that all prisoners are treated equally and that daily medical check-ups have been arranged for him. They also note that his legal counsel informed the court that Lai had not complained about the medical services provided.

However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that any lengthy sentence imposed on Lai could effectively be a life sentence, given his age of 78.He suggested that even a sentence short of the maximum life imprisonment could result in Lai dying in prison.

Jimmy Lai’s Daughter Pleads for Help as Hong kong Media Mogul Faces Trial

Claire Lai, the daughter of jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, is making a desperate plea for international intervention as her father’s national security trial continues.She believes the charges against him are politically motivated and that his life is at risk. Lai, a pro-democracy advocate, founded the Apple Daily newspaper, which was critical of the Chinese government.

Speaking at a news conference in Washington D.C. on Friday, Lai urged the United States and other democracies to take stronger action to secure her father’s release. “My father is a prisoner of conscience,” she stated.”He’s being persecuted simply for speaking truth to power.” She fears the trial, which began earlier this week, won’t be fair.

jimmy Lai was arrested in 2020 under the sweeping National Security Law imposed by Beijing, which criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. He faces charges of collusion with foreign forces and sedition.If convicted,he could face a lengthy prison sentence,possibly life in prison.

The trial has drawn international criticism,with concerns raised about the erosion of press freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong. Manny see Lai’s case as a symbol of the crackdown on dissent following the 2019 pro-democracy protests. The US government has repeatedly called for Lai’s release, but Beijing maintains the case is a matter of internal affairs.

Claire Lai isn’t giving up hope. She’s been meeting with US lawmakers and officials, hoping to galvanize support for her father. “We need concrete action, not just words,” she said.”My father has dedicated his life to fighting for freedom and democracy, and he deserves to be free.” She believes increased sanctions and diplomatic pressure could help bring about his release.

The trial is expected to last for several weeks, and the outcome remains uncertain. However, Claire Lai is persistent to continue her fight, believing that her father’s case is about more than just one man – it’s about the future of Hong Kong and the defense of democratic values.You can find more information about the case and international reactions at CNN and Human Rights Watch.