The son of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has described his father’s 20-year prison sentence under the city’s national security law as effectively a “death sentence,” citing serious health concerns. Lai, a prominent pro-democracy figure and founder of Apple Daily, was convicted of national security offences, charges he has consistently denied, while supporters say he is being punished for defending Hong Kong’s freedoms. The case has drawn strong criticism from the U.K. and U.S., with officials urging his release, though Chinese authorities maintain the prosecution is lawful and justified.

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