The Catholic Church's lead bishop for freedom of religion and belief has called on the Prime Minister to intervene for Jimmy Lai's freedom.

Lai, a 78 year-old British citizen and prominent Catholic, was the founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper in Hong Kong.

Bishop James Curry, the auxillary bishop of Westminster, has told Andy Burnham that Lai's only crime was peaceful protest, and speaking truth to an oppressive regime. 

Lai is currently serving a 20-year sentence under Hong Kong’s national security laws. 

Bishop James added: “Around 200,000 migrants have come to the UK from Hong Kong since 2020, many of whom are Catholic. The Church in England and Wales continues to provide pastoral support to all those from Hong Kong who seek it. I also offer my prayers for those who are persecuted because of their faith or political beliefs throughout the world.

“I ask Catholics in England and Wales to join with me in seeking the intercession of St. Maximillian Kolbe for Jimmy Lai, and in seeking the intercession of St. Alban and St. Frances Cabrini for all those who have had to leave their own country because of persecution.”

In June 2021, authorities raided the Apple Daily offices, froze the newspaper’s assets, and arrested several executives. Lai pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious material.