In a public statement, the U.S. President has expressed his personal concern regarding the imprisonment of a prominent Hong Kong businessman and media founder, urging his Chinese counterpart to consider releasing him on compassionate grounds.
Speaking to reporters, the President described feeling “so badly” about the situation, confirming he had directly raised the issue in a conversation with the Chinese leader. He cited the detainee’s advanced age and reported poor health as factors in his appeal, though he did not specify when the discussion took place.
The individual at the center of the case, a 78-year-old British citizen, was recently convicted on national security charges following a trial in Hong Kong. He has been detained since 2020. Supporters argue the charges are part of a broader political crackdown that followed widespread protests in the city several years ago.
The U.S. Secretary of State echoed the President’s sentiments, issuing a statement that criticized the verdict as an erosion of the freedoms promised to Hong Kong. He highlighted the detainee’s reportedly declining health after years in prison and called for his release on humanitarian grounds.
The case has drawn international condemnation from various governments and human rights organizations. The detainee’s family has also made a public plea, with his daughter stating that if released, her father would focus on his faith and family, not political activity.
The Chinese government has consistently stated that all legal proceedings in Hong Kong are conducted lawfully and are necessary to safeguard national security. The outcome of this high-level diplomatic appeal remains uncertain.