The family of Hong Kong’s imprisoned pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has raised urgent concerns over his worsening health conditions. Lai has experienced dramatic weight loss, decaying teeth, and nails turning green before falling off, according to his children.
Lai, nearing 78 years old, has been held in solitary confinement since late 2020 amid Beijing’s increasing control over Hong Kong. His family reports that he endures extreme summer heat reaching 44 degrees Celsius in a jail without air conditioning, adding strain to his diabetic condition.
His daughter Claire Lai highlighted the visible decline in her father’s physical strength during a recent visit. She described how his nails shift colors from purple to gray and green before detaching, while his teeth are deteriorating rapidly.
Claire also revealed that prison guards have refused to allow her father, a devout Catholic, to receive communion. Guards reportedly make small, petty efforts to undermine his morale, including withholding his favorite curry sauce despite his enjoyment of it.
A renowned businessman, Lai founded the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily. He faces a potential prison sentence of 15 years or more on charges of foreign collusion tied to the mass protests in Hong Kong during 2019.
Sebastien Lai, his son, hopes world leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will continue to press China on his father’s behalf. Sebastien stressed that arranging Lai’s transfer out of Hong Kong would be quick and humane.
“Putting my father on a plane would only take two hours,” Sebastien said. “It would be the right and compassionate decision after all he has endured.” The family’s call for international support grows as Lai remains confined under harsh conditions.
Key concerns about Jimmy Lai’s health:
- Significant weight loss and physical weakness
- Rotting teeth and nail discoloration leading to nail loss
- Diabetic condition worsened by high heat without air conditioning
- Denial of religious sacraments and psychological pressure by guards
These conditions underline the urgency for medical attention and reconsideration of his solitary confinement. The international community watches closely as health risks mount for the jailed media figure.
Read more at: www.theguardian.com
