<
https://www.press.org/newsroom/npc-statement-sentencing-journalist-and-publisher-jimmy-lai>
"WASHINGTON, February 9 — National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr.
released the following statement:
“Issuing a 20-year sentence to journalist and publisher Jimmy Lai today is a
grave affront to press freedom and the fundamental rights that underpin open
societies.
Mr. Lai is not being punished for committing a crime. He is being punished for
publishing, for dissenting and for refusing to abandon the principles of a free
press. Today’s action sends a chilling signal to journalists worldwide:
Truth-telling can be met with imprisonment and accountability journalism
carries extraordinary personal risk.
Mr. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of
Apple Daily, was convicted under Hong
Kong’s national security law in December following a trial conducted without a
jury. His publishing activity and public commentary were central to the case.
The 20-year sentence handed down Sunday evening equates to a life sentence for
Mr. Lai.
Mr. Lai’s case stands as a stark example of how legal systems can be weaponized
to silence independent journalism by punishing those who dare to report,
publish and speak freely.
The National Press Club affirms unequivocally that journalism is not a crime.
The work of informing the public, questioning power and defending democratic
values must never be treated as a threat.
The international community must not look away. Governments, democratic
institutions and press freedom advocates have a responsibility to speak out
forcefully and consistently against the persecution of journalists and to
demand the immediate release of Jimmy Lai.
What happens to Jimmy Lai matters not only to Hong Kong, but to journalists and
citizens around the world who depend on a free and independent press to
safeguard democracy.”"
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
